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County OKs ordinance seeking recordings and counsel for minors during interrogations
Summary
The commission passed a third-reading ordinance requiring recorded interrogations of juvenile suspects, access to legal counsel and an interested adult before questioning, and preservation of those recordings for a minimum of 10 years or until the juvenile turns 28.
Shelby County commissioners approved a third-reading ordinance (Item 19) that requests law enforcement record interrogations of minors suspected of unlawful conduct and ensure minors have access to legal representation and an interested adult during questioning.
The ordinance calls for preservation of interrogation recordings for at least 10 years or until the juvenile turns 28, whichever is longer, and states that a minor cannot validly waive counsel without an interested adult present. Commissioner Erica Sugarman, sponsor, said the measures aim to protect the integrity of the juvenile justice system and reduce false confessions. The commission adopted the ordinance by recorded vote.
