Arizona U.S. Attorney Statement- Significant Policy Shift Concerning Electronic Recording Of Statements

PHOENIX – Today, following Attorney General Holder’s announcement of significant policy shift concerning electronic recording of statements, United States Attorney John S. Leonardo offers the following statement:

“In announcing a new Department of Justice policy today that statements made by individuals in federal custody between arrest and their initial court appearance will be electronically recorded, the Attorney General has taken a positive step in bringing added transparency to federal law enforcement. Such recordings will serve to ensure accountability and promote public confidence in federal law enforcement. Federal agents and prosecutors in Arizona and throughout the country are committed to due process and the rigorous, evenhanded enforcement of the law. This new policy reaffirms this commitment and strengthens the fairness that all Americans expect and deserve in their criminal justice system.”

RELEASE NUMBER:   2014-030_USA_Statement-Electronic_Recordings

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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