–2–
36.
The electronic (i.e. audio and/or video) recording of police interviews represents an
important additional safeguard against the ill-treatment of detainees. The CPT is pleased to note that
the introduction of such systems is under consideration in an increasing number of countries. Such a
facility can provide a complete and authentic record of the interview process, thereby greatly
facilitating the investigation of any allegations of ill-treatment. This is in the interest both of persons
who have been ill-treated by the police and of police officers confronted with unfounded allegations
that they have engaged in physical ill-treatment or psychological pressure. Electronic recording of
police interviews also reduces the opportunity for defendants to later falsely deny that they have
made certain admissions.
37.
The CPT has on more than one occasion, in more than one country, discovered
interrogation rooms of a highly intimidating nature: for example, rooms entirely decorated in
black and equipped with spotlights directed at the seat used by the person undergoing interrogation.
Facilities of this kind have no place in a police service.
In addition to being adequately lit, heated and ventilated, interview rooms should allow for
all participants in the interview process to be seated on chairs of a similar style and standard of
comfort. The interviewing officer should not be placed in a dominating (e.g. elevated) or remote
position vis-à-vis the suspect. Further, colour schemes should be neutral.
38.
In certain countries, the CPT has encountered the practice of blindfolding persons in police
custody, in particular during periods of questioning. CPT delegations have received various - and
often contradictory - explanations from police officers as regards the purpose of this practice. From
the information gathered over the years, it is clear to the CPT that in many if not most cases,
persons are blindfolded in order to prevent them from being able to identify law enforcement
officials who inflict ill-treatment upon them. Even in cases when no physical ill-treatment occurs, to
blindfold a person in custody - and in particular someone undergoing questioning - is a form of
oppressive conduct, the effect of which on the person concerned will frequently amount to
psychological ill-treatment. The CPT recommends that the blindfolding of persons who are in
police custody be expressly prohibited.
39.
It is not unusual for the CPT to find suspicious objects on police premises, such as wooden
sticks, broom handles, baseball bats, metal rods, pieces of thick electric cable, imitation firearms or
knives. The presence of such objects has on more than one occasion lent credence to allegations
received by CPT delegations that the persons held in the establishments concerned have been
threatened and/or struck with objects of this kind.
A common explanation received from police officers concerning such objects is that they
have been confiscated from suspects and will be used as evidence. The fact that the objects
concerned are invariably unlabelled, and frequently are found scattered around the premises (on
occasion placed behind curtains or cupboards), can only invite scepticism as regards that
explanation. In order to dispel speculation about improper conduct on the part of police officers and
to remove potential sources of danger to staff and detained persons alike, items seized for the
purpose of being used as evidence should always be properly labelled, recorded and kept in a
dedicated property store. All other objects of the kind mentioned above should be removed from
police premises.
40.
As from the outset of its activities, the CPT has advocated a trinity of rights for persons
detained by the police: the rights of access to a lawyer and to a doctor and the right to have the
fact of one's detention notified to a relative or another third party of one's choice. In many
States, steps have been taken to introduce or reinforce these rights, in the light of the CPT's
recommendations. More specifically, the right of access to a lawyer during police custody is now