Digital devices to end mistreatment in interrogation

Dar es Salaam. Suspects of crimes are now guaranteed of absolute justice during police interrogation, thanks to a new a digital recording system.

The new system was launched yesterday after the ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs and the UK Commission struck a deal.

The UK donated Sh90 million modern equipment that is expected to start pilot project on corruption, drug and border offences.

Speaking at the launch, the British High Commissioner, Ms Sarah Cooke, said that before the pilot project can be launched, the law needs to be changed to accommodate the new form of digital recording.

"The ministry in charge is expected to take a draft law to parliament for approval of change of the  law next month and when passed a pilot project will commence and if successful we anticipate that it will be rolled out countrywide," she said.

She said the digital system will modernise and professionalise the systems for interviewing the accused persons.

She said the UK has been working with the government to review the laws that allow investigators to use modern techniques, which include the use of recording devises so that a fair, accurate and reliable interrogation can be made and copies shared online.

"This protects both the accused and the investigators," she said.

According to her, currently Tanzania interviews suspects through recording of hand written notes by an investigating officer.

She noted that the old system was inaccurate and that the suspects always claimed that the records were fake or obtained unfairly.

She explained that the UK also transformed the system and made it more professional, increasing justice in the legal system.

For his part, ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs deputy permanent secretary, Mr Amon Mpanju, said the government planned to ensure justice prevails in the justice system.

He said the device donated by the UK commission will ensure both the rights of the accused and the interrogator are protected.

"The device will be a wake up call for our investigators to stop mistreating suspects and forcing them to record false statements," he said.