OFF THE WIRE
WASHINGTON (CN) - The U.S. Attorney General on Thursday announced a new policy for the Department of Justice "that creates a presumption that statements made by individuals in federal custody, following arrest but prior to their first appearance in court, will be electronically recorded."
Holder said in a statement that the new policy "will help to ensure accountability and promote public confidence in the institutions and processes that guide the nation's law enforcement efforts."
The policy is to take effect on July 11, and will apply to the FBI, the DEA, the ATF and the U.S. Marshals Service.
"The new policy was formally spelled out in a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys signed by Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole," the Justice Department said in a statement.
