Mayfield Village Police Request Video Equipment

A state law passed last June will mean another unfunded mandate for Mayfield Village.

A law requiring audio and video recording of people suspected of certain major crimes will force the village to spend around $10,000 to purchase necessary equipment.

Police Chief Patrick Dearden told village council members at a caucus meeting Monday that he received a quote of $11,000 for the equipment, meaning the village will have to seek bids since it's more than $10,000.

If there is an immediate need, the village could use interview facilities in Mayfield Heights, but Dearden said he wouldn't expect another community to allow that sort of arrangement for long. He added there's also a security issue involved with taking suspects elsewhere for interviews.

Dearden also said he didn't know how often the video equipment would be used. The law requires taping of suspects in murders, sex crimes, burglaries and most major offenses.

When asked what happens if the village doesn't record interviews, Dearden said the concern wasn't about fines or penalties but with presenting a stronger case in court.

"It simply becomes more of a defense issue," Dearden said. "Any statement by a suspect would be held to be less than reliable (without a recording)."