Independent Custody Visitor access to PACE interviews

Date asked:
Board Member:Kate Lavery
Question type:Written

Question

Is there a rationale why ICVs have access to live TACT interviews, but no access to live or recorded PACE interviews?


Answer
The ICV handbook states that the remote viewing of interviews is only for TACT detainees within the Serious Crime Suites‘ and requires the consent of the detainee.


TACT codes of practice state that we are required to video and sound record the interview of persons detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 which takes place in a police station. There is no such requirement for PACE interviews. As such only certain interview rooms are capable of being watched remotely in live time. These interview rooms are located in the SCS suites in both Antrim and Musgrave.