The Commissioner of Police has responded to a defence lawyer's claims that Police are lagging in bringing the Service up to snuff by not implementing a taped interview system.

Commissioner Jonathan Smith moved to correct Larry Mussenden's comments, and explained introducing the system was a long and complex process and not as simple as placing a recording device in front of an interviewee and pressing a button.

Mr. Mussenden said in yesterday's Royal Gazette that legislation passed in October to allow for Police to record interviews had not been complied with in a timely fashion.

And he challenged Police to let the public know when the system would be up and running.

Mr. Smith said the system - which has a $75,000 price tag attached - was on target for completion in roughly 12 to 15 months.

However he said it was dependant on a series of extensive renovations to Police Stations and the training of more than 400 officers.

“First of all it's a very complex undertaking,” he said. “We have to be very sure that the equipment we have purchased is suitable for all the local conditions and has been tried and tested elsewhere. We have done all of that.

“The assertion is that we are doing nothing and that is far from an accurate portrayal of where we are. In terms of the legislation, we had to draft notes and guidelines, we had to amend all of our internal instructions, actual directions as to how this equipment is to be used.

“We then had to identify trainers - because specialist trainers have to be brought in from overseas to train our officers to use this equipment and the facilities. There is a certain technique involved rather than just writing the interview. You have to make sure the interview actually captures what is being said.”

Mr. Smith said extensive renovations to sound proof nearly a dozen designated sites for the equipment was the next undertaking, with Somerset Police Station and the Serious Crimes Unit next in line to receive the upgrades.

Currently the Commercial Crimes Unit is the only area that has had the system up and running since October, where eight interviews have already been recorded.

“The assertion is that we are failing to comply with the legislation - that is not correct,” he said. “That is not accurate, we are in compliance. The legislation was crafted in such a way that would allow a phase in process. We're in the process right now in finishing off the renovations for a training facility. We also had to try and anticipate how many sites would be used - yes it's an interview room, but with specialist equipment in it.”

And the Commissioner said that Police are working closely with the Department of Works and Engineering to revamp St. George's and Somerset Police Stations, which he said posed a problem because the facilities were “sub-standard”.

“Until the renovations are done I cannot designate a facility,” he added. “It's so dependant on renovations.”

But Mr. Smith assured that once the system has been completed, it will result in a more efficient way of Police serving the public when conducting interviews.

“Every jurisdiction where the Police have had this legislation come along have had to go through these challenges,” he said. “And because we are a small jurisdiction, we have had to call on our assistance from overseas. We're very confident that the acquisition of the equipment will serve the administration of justice really well.

“We are dealing with renovations that take time. Once my guys say that the room is ready I designate for the equipment to be installed. We're committed to it, that's why I had to address that we are not complying.”