Statement From U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance On DOJ Policy Calling For Electronic Recording Of Individuals In Federal Custody

BIRMINGHAM -- “I have enormous confidence in the integrity of the federal agents with whom we work, but I also recognize that, increasingly, we live in a world where juries expect to see law enforcement make electronic recordings of defendants’ statements at the time of arrest,” said U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance. “So, I am encouraged by this leap forward for the Department of Justice that will help us record the best evidence of a statement – a defendants’ own words and demeanor -- and allow juries to understand how deeply committed our agents are to carrying out their mission in a professional manner. This new policy will help us side step unwarranted allegations by defendants of agent misconduct and permit us to protect our communities in a fair and just manner.”

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