Federal Interviews Reform Act

The Federal Interviews Reform Act requires officers and employees of the Department of Justice to electronically record all interviews with individuals suspected of committing a criminal offense. This mandate covers both custodial and non-custodial interviews related to federal investigations or those where the Department assists state, local, or tribal agencies, though it explicitly excludes communications with confidential informants. A key provision dictates that any statement or information obtained from an interview not recorded as required may not be offered as evidence by the Government in Federal court. The bill also establishes retention periods for these recordings, generally 10 years, but indefinitely for interviews concerning capital offenses. Importantly, recording can occur without interviewee consent, and the requirements extend to interviews of U.S. citizens conducted outside the United States by Department of Justice personnel.