Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that the law
requiring law enforcement agencies to video record custodial
interrogations with individuals accused of serious crimes, including
homicides and violent felony sex offenses, is now in effect. The law,
originally passed as part of the Governor's landmark criminal justice
reforms in 2017, will help ensure the reliability of evidence that is
later presented at trial and guard against false confessions.
"Recording
interrogations can be critical in helping convict the guilty, free the
wrongly accused and uphold faith and confidence in our criminal justice
system," Governor Cuomo said. "I'm proud that this
hard-fought reform is now in effect, bringing us one step closer to a
more fair and more just New York for all."
As of
April 1, law enforcement investigators are required to video record
interrogations of individuals accused of most serious non-drug felonies.
The requirement applies only to custodial interrogations at police
stations, correctional facilities, prosecutor's offices, and similar
holding areas. Failure to record interrogations in applicable cases
could result in a court determining that a confession is inadmissible as
evidence, according to the new law. The change to the Criminal
Procedure Law was adopted by the state Legislature along with other
critical reforms proposed by the Governor as part of the FY 2017-18
state budget.
Click here for the full announcement.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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