State bill requires video record of interrogations

By Ed White Associated Press DETROIT (AP) -- State lawmakers are working on a bill that would require Michigan police agencies to use video to record interrogations of suspects in major felonies. Senate Bill 152 cleared the Senate unanimously in April and is awaiting consideration in the House. Advocates say interviews on video protect suspects and police when charges are filed and cases move to court. Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker of Van Buren County says it's important for judges and juries to see more than just a written confession. She says video helps determine whether there was any coercion. The only objection appears to be cost. Many police departments already use video when questioning suspects. A judge watched hours of videotaped confessions in the case of a Detroit hit man who pleaded guilty last year to killing eight people. Published: Tue, May 31, 2011