Local News

Police Using Online Interrogations To Crack Cases

SOMERVILLE (WBZ) ― We all have visions of police sitting in interrogation rooms with nothing but a suspect and a tape recorder, but no longer. The questioning going on behind those closed doors can now be viewed by others, as it's happening.

Somerville Police are the first local department to adopt technology that allows them to put interrogations online, through a secure connection.

"You can zoom in and out on the suspect to watch for verbal and nonverbal cues of deception," Somerville Police Captain Charles Femino explained.

It's all there. How the suspect is seated. Are they nervous? Several officers can view it simultaneously by logging on, offering many eyes of expertise.

"There's less chance of a claim that the interview is tainted," said Femino.

Police say it provides a psychological advantage as well. It clears the room of tape recorders and other distractions to help them get at the truth.

WBZ-TV's Beth Germano showed the video to defense attorney Phil Tracy who sees the advantage on both sides. He said the interviews could help convict, or clear a suspect.

"Somebody can look and say this kid not lying," Tracy said. "He's scared to death to be interviewed by the police, but I can tell he's not lying."

Now by watching what goes on behind closed doors, Somerville Police hope to crack more cases, more quickly. They have already used the internet interrogations in two cases. One of those led to the arrest of a suspect in a series of bank robberies in Cambridge.

The suspect still has to sign a waiver and agree to the interview.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)