Section 5 Audio recording of police interviews.

After section 53 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (video recording) there shall be inserted—

“ Audio recording.

53A

(1)

The Secretary of State shall—

(a)

make a code of practice in connection with the audio recording of interviews to which this section applies; and

(b)

make an order requiring the audio recording of interviews to which this section applies in accordance with the code as it has effect for the time being.

(2)

This section applies to—

(a)

interviews held by police officers of persons detained under section 14(1)(a) or (b) of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 (arrest and detention of suspected persons), and

(b)

interviews held by police officers in such other circumstances as may be specified in an order under subsection (1)(b).

(3)

In this section “police officer” means a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary or the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve.”.