Suspects will soon be taped when they are interviewed by Police - a reform hailed as a major step in the criminal justice system according to defence barrister Larry Mussenden.

New regulations covering the tape recording of suspects by Police are due to come into effect on October 1. Mr. Mussenden said the old system of relying on the notes taken by a Policeman during the interview led to legal quibbles in court which would then have to be adjudicated by the trial judge.

He said: "It will speed the process by not having to challenge the admissibility of statements. It will help the public to have increased confidence in the Police who will have it as means to prove statements have been taken properly and within the law."

The rules state the recording must not be done secretively and that two copies should be made - one of which should be sealed before it leaves the presence of the suspect.

However Mr. Mussenden said triple deck machines should be used - with one copy each going to the prosecution and the defence while a master copy would also be made.

And he questioned a section in the rules which allows a Police Inspector to authorise an interview not to be taped if the machine is broken or if it is clear no prosecution will ensue.

He said: "If you have this legislation all interviews should be taped."

He welcomed the fact that Police would now have to make sure they read the prisoner's rights during an interview - something they are not always doing claimed Mr. Mussenden.

He said: "The Policeman has to remind the suspect of his rights to a counsel and his right to remain silent. This will remove questions which abound with the current system."

The defendant must be given a copy of the tape when the interview is finished.

Mr. Mussenden said a two-week time limit should be put on this to stop the Crown delaying handing over important evidence until just before the trial.