Video Interrogation Study

  • This study aims to investigate current practices, policies, and technology utilized in police departments across the United States, including Philadelphia, regarding video/audio-taped interrogations. We seek to determine the potential benefits of universally recording interrogations for both prosecution and community members.

    Through an analysis of comparable police departments, our goal is to identify best practices and technology that could enhance accountability, reliability, and reduce unconstitutional and coercive interrogation tactics within the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD).

    Surveying former witnesses and suspects who have undergone interrogation by the Philadelphia Police Department will enhance understanding of how the PPD are enforcing the current videotaping policies.

  • We will compile and analyze police administrative directives, policies, and training materials from The Philadelphia Police Department, focusing on interrogations of suspects and witnesses. Key areas of investigation include:

    • the use of video/audio recording during interrogations

    • the requirement for continuous, time stamped recording

    • policies for maintaining/retaining recorded footage.

    • Special attention will be given to directives related to interrogating juveniles.

    Additionally, we will summarize current practices and technology in comparable cities, drawing insights from reports and analyses on the feasibility and impact of video/audio-taped interrogations.

    Conducting surveys with former witnesses and suspects interrogated after 2017 will enrich our research with firsthand accounts. This data collection aims to shed light on potential misconduct, identifying policies that need further examination and advocating for reform to ensure the protection and fair treatment of individuals during interrogations in the future.

    Through community participation and comprehensive research, we strive to contribute valuable data to the ongoing discourse on criminal justice reform and promote evidence-driven policy initiatives. This qualitative data will offer valuable insights into the practical challenges and benefits associated with the implementation of such recording practices, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Empower Change: Share Your Experience!

Were you questioned by Philly PD post-2017? Join our Video Interrogation Study to shape criminal justice reform. Your voice matters!

Take the Survey

Police Misconduct Disclosure Study

  • PTP's Unconstitutional Pattern and Practice Database includes allegations of police misconduct. To investigate and verify those allegations, we look for several levels of court documentation, which we include on our database as a PDF attachment. Allegations can be verified using court documentation, such as notes of testimony, stipulations, sworn witness affidavits, and what we consider the most verified documentation, official police misconduct disclosures.  (PMD)

    Prior to Larry Krasner taking office, official findings of police misconduct were never made accessible to attorneys, or the public. As a result of the high number of wrongful convictions in Philadelphia, Krasner created a Conviction Integrity Unit, and implemented a process for sustained findings of police misconduct to be made available to attorneys and their clients if they can show that the information fits as "new evidence" in their post-conviction appeals process.

    The Police Misconduct Disclosure Project addresses the critical issue of accessing official police misconduct disclosures, particularly in the context of investigating wrongful convictions. With a focus on the evolving landscape post-DA Larry Krasner, this project aims to explore avenues that ensure continued access for attorneys involved in these investigations.

  • Legislative Exploration: Investigate and propose avenues, including potential amendments to "Right to Know" language, to encompass sustained findings of official police misconduct within the Philadelphia Police Department. This seeks to facilitate ongoing access for attorneys post-DA transition.

    Database Utilization: Promote the utilization of The Police Transparency Project's Unconstitutional Pattern & Practice Database (UPPD) as a tool for attorneys. Establish a network to share newly acquired official Police Misconduct Disclosures, enhancing transparency and collaboration.

    Policy Examination: Examine sustained findings within Police Misconduct Disclosures (PMDS) to identify policy gaps and systemic issues requiring reform. This analysis aims to contribute valuable insights into areas where policy improvements are crucial for accountability and justice.

  • The research involves a multifaceted approach, beginning with legislative exploration to enhance access to official police misconduct disclosures. The project leverages The Police Transparency Project's UPPD, encouraging attorneys to contribute and benefit from shared information. Through a detailed examination of sustained findings in PMDS, the study identifies policy gaps, paving the way for targeted reforms that address systemic issues within the criminal justice system. Overall, the Police Misconduct Disclosure Project strives to advance transparency, accountability, and justice within the legal framework.