Why No Cctv Recordings In Police Interviews?

[Jennykenny]

Watching programmes like Line of Duty etc, they only have audio recordings. There is obviously a reason for this, but what?

[Islay]

I don't think it is a PACE requirement, although some interviews are recorded you just have to watch the news and if there is a high profile case they sometimes show the interview.
Maybe its to do with the cost, as it may not be a PACE requirement they have not got the money to spend on 'that would be nice' items.

[Jackdaw33]

Plus, of course, it's not good publicity to have the DS beating seven bells out of the sus for all to see.

[Buenchico]

As Islay suggests, cost might be an important factor. Back in 2011 90% of police custody interviews were recorded on cassette tape. (Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20556330 ). It's only in very recent years that police forces have switched to using digital recordings and many might have sought to save money through using audio-only equipment.

However there might be a practical reason why TV directors don't want to see video systems used in their programmes. That would mean having a small screen in the shot, such as here, http://www.clearview-communications.com/images/technology/law-interview-recording.jpg
which would create a visual distraction for those trying to watch.

[Jennykenny]

Interesting points made.
Thanks all.