Tuesday’s official handing over of a state-of-the-art digital audio recorder to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is expected to make a significant difference in how the police record statements from suspects, victims and witnesses at a police station.

It is anticipated that the equipment, which is standard for many international law enforcement agencies, will reduce or eliminate disputes over the accuracy of information recorded. It is not uncommon for individuals who give statements to later deny information contained in the written police report.

As noted during the handing over ceremony at Courtleigh Hotel & Suites in St Andrew, the equipment’s audio cannot be erased, taped over, or edited in anyway, therefore preventing the material from being compromised before it gets to court as evidence.

“An important part of the device also speaks to the fact that once it records on the compact disc (CD) a finalisation process continues after that — which means that it basically burns onto the recording aspect of the CD or the compact disc a finalisation film that causes no information to be recorded after the fact,” explained Andre Murray, a detective corporal assigned to the Communication Forensics and Cybercrime Division.

According to Rob Cavese, who is director of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) in Jamaica, the use of digital evidence is even more important than ever in this current era of transactional crime.

“Not only does it strengthen the case, but it allows law enforcement agencies to easily and efficiently share information and expertise. The recording equipment we’re delivering today will modernise the interview process by securely capturing and storing information in a way that’s reliable and efficient. It’ll help investigators focus on thorough interviews — creating a clear, accurate record that can be used throughout the investigation and when necessary in court,” he said.

Cavese added that when interviews are recorded using the specialised equipment, the words of witnesses, victims and suspects are preserved just as they were spoken, rather than distilled or summarised.

“For lottery scamming and fraud cases in particular, this gives the ability to remove interview subjects, eliminates the obstacles of distance, and can put vulnerable witnesses at ease during the process. Building upon the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) training by expert practitioners on major crime investigations and digital evidence, we’re proud to present this digital interview system as another important investment in strengthening Jamaica’s criminal justice system,” Cavese said.

He noted that the donation of the recorder is just one element of a larger effort to combat lottery scamming and fraud.

“This, as you know, disproportionately victimises US citizens. This is truly a joint effort and one that affects us all. I want to applaud the recent pledge by the Jamaica National Security Council to modernise and strengthen the laws and enforcement against lottery scams and the criminal groups behind them. We look forward to this partnership continuing as we work together to improve the safety and security of all our citizens,” added Cavese.

The JCF’s Director of Legal Services Ariel Brown-Blake said the recorder will now provide some level of impartiality during interviews.

“This device will do so much for us. It will move us from a manual element into, of course, a digital element. It will allow investigators to focus more on their questioning strategy as opposed to having to ask questions, write things down; and it saves some time. So, we’re really and truly grateful and appreciate it,” said Blake.