Transcripts of non-famous SOPy US police interrogations?
December 31, 2009 8:45 AM Subscribe
Are there any transcripts available online of non-famous rather-SOPy US police interrogations? Are such things public domain?
Most anything entered into a court case, unless specifically redacted or gagged by the judge or relating to minors, is in the public record. For example, a recording of a civil hearing or of a deposition entered into evidence. That means you can request copies, and would be my first stop. Note that "copies" might mean audio tapes, and to use them for anything reliable (e.g. appeals) would require the work of a transcriptionist. As for interrogations not entered into evidence, I suspect that would depend on the procedure and policy of the particular jurisdiction in question.
Basically, if you can make a specific request (interrogation of John Doe, or interrogations relating to matter x), you'll likely get what you need. Open-ended fishing will likely depend on how friendly and overworked your particular clerk is.
posted by TheNewWazoo at 1:42 PM on December 31, 2009
Basically, if you can make a specific request (interrogation of John Doe, or interrogations relating to matter x), you'll likely get what you need. Open-ended fishing will likely depend on how friendly and overworked your particular clerk is.
posted by TheNewWazoo at 1:42 PM on December 31, 2009
Self-link: One of my sites is The Lisa McPherson Files, which contains most of the documents amassed by the Clearwater Police Department in their investigation of the death of Lisa McPherson at Scientology's headquarters there. The list of documents by type links to transcripts of police interviews and sworn statements, two different types of questioning that were both recorded and transcribed by the police. (I'm not sure I would term them "interrogations;" I don't know if that term has a specific legal meaning.) There are also depositions, and a variety of summary documents.
These documents were made available on CD by the police department.
As TheNewWazoo says, if you're interested in a particular case, you may well be able to obtain records from the police department, especially after a case is closed.
posted by kristi at 12:45 PM on January 1, 2010
These documents were made available on CD by the police department.
As TheNewWazoo says, if you're interested in a particular case, you may well be able to obtain records from the police department, especially after a case is closed.
posted by kristi at 12:45 PM on January 1, 2010
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posted by sharkfu at 9:17 AM on December 31, 2009