GET A QUOTE
ORDER ONLINE
Guide to PACE Interview Transcriptions
PACE interview transcriptions play an important role in legal proceedings, as they provide a written record of interviews conducted under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. These transcriptions are used by legal teams, police forces, and other authorities to ensure clarity, transparency, and accountability throughout the investigative process.
In this guide, we look at what PACE interviews are, what PACE interview transcriptions are used for, and why professional, reliable transcription is so important when dealing with sensitive and complex cases, and why police transcription services are vital in today’s climate.
What is a PACE interview?
A PACE interview is a formal, recorded conversation between a suspect and law enforcement, conducted under the guidelines of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, abbreviated to PACE. This legislation was introduced to strike a balance between the powers of the police and the rights of individuals, to ensure that interviews are carried out fairly and transparently.
PACE interviews typically take place when someone is suspected of being involved in a criminal offence. They typically occur at a police station. The purpose of the interview is to gather evidence whilst also safeguarding the rights of the person who is being questioned.
Key features of PACE interviewing include the right to legal representation, a requirement for the interview to be recorded at least with audio but sometimes also by video, and there will be a formal caution issued at the start. These measures are all designed to protect both the interviewee and the integrity of the interview.
What are PACE interview transcriptions?
PACE transcriptions written records of the audio or video recordings made during a police interview conducted under the PACE Act 1984. These transcripts provide an accurate, word-for-word account of everything said during the interview, including questions and responses, and also any pauses and interruptions.
PACE interview transcriptions are used to support legal proceedings by offering a clear, accessible version of the interview for solicitors, barristers, investigators and the court. They allow legal teams to review statements in detail, so they can identify any inconsistencies and prepare for the trial or further questioning.
PACE interview can often have serious legal consequences, so accurate transcriptions are critical. Errors or omissions in the interview transcript can impact how evidence is interpreted or even the outcome of a case. That’s why it’s important that PACE interview transcriptions are carried out by professionals with experience and expertise in legal terminology, transcription standards, and confidentiality requirements.
Who uses PACE interviews and transcriptions?
There are many government departments, regulators, and other law enforcement agencies with the power to carry out criminal investigations and interview suspects under caution in accordance with the rules set out in PACE. These can include:
- HMRC
- DWP
- Serious Fraud Office
- Health and Safety Executive
- Environment Agency
- DEFRA
- The Insolvency Service
Local authorities and legal firms alike need to have regular, accurate, verbatim transcriptions for their most important documents, which may then be used as evidence in court proceedings.
How do you transcribe a PACE Interview?
Transcripts for PACE interviews are required for record-keeping and legal purposes, and are used by the police, solicitors, barristers and courts. When transcribing a police interview conducted under PACE, the document needs to reflect the full verbatim exchange between the interviewer and the interviewee.
For PACE interviews, these are normally transcribed in a full verbatim style – also known as strict verbatim or true verbatim. This involves:
- Transcribing audio or video content word-for-word, including every utterance, filler words, false starts, tone, stutters, and background noises. Essentially, it captures the spoken content in its entirety without any omissions or alterations.
- Any significant non-verbal communication or actions should also be noted in the transcript, such as the suspect nodding or shaking their head in response to a question (if video is given rather than audio only, of course).
- Identification – Each part of the exchange is typically marked with the speaker’s identity (which can be by full name, initials, PO, DC, etc.).
- Time Stamps – The transcripts often require time stamps when each person speaks so that part of the interview can easily be found or extracted.
- Pause Indicators – Long pauses or moments of silence should be noted to show any time gaps in the interview.
- Statement and Admissions – Any key statements made by the suspect, particularly if they admit to the crime or provide significant details, must be carefully transcribed. These are crucial in legal proceedings.
- Legal Warning During the Interview – If at any point the suspect is informed of a legal right or receives further warnings (e.g. a caution), this should be included.
- Break or End of Interview – The transcript should include a note if the interview is interrupted or when the interview concludes, and any subsequent actions (e.g. the suspect being taken to a cell or being charged) should be recorded.
Why should you use McGowan Transcriptions for your PACE interview?
Transcribing a PACE police interview requires a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail to ensure that the record is true to the exchange that took place. Transcripts may become vital pieces of evidence in court, so they need to be handled with the same care as the evidence itself.
At McGowan Transcriptions, all our transcribers are fully DBS checked. We have a team of expert human transcribers who are experienced in understanding many subjects and industries, skilled in PACE interviews, and dedicated to providing the most accurate transcripts for your projects. We are up to date with the latest GDPR Regulations and are registered with the ICO.
All completed files are returned via our encrypted portal, your own portal (or your client’s portal), eliminating any need for transcriptions to be sent by email, or a password-encrypted email, ensuring total confidentiality for any sensitive documents.
We are aware that PACE interviews need to be returned in time for court proceedings and may need a very fast turnaround. Our experienced team of transcribers can ensure your transcript is provided by your deadline – or earlier if we are able to! Our transcripts are carefully reviewed by our Quality Control team to ensure that the document you receive is of the very highest quality – checking that you do not receive any spelling, grammar, or syntax errors.
Our rates are competitive for PACE services. The rate you are charged depends on the needs of your transcript, i.e., the number of speakers, time codes, strong non-UK accents, poor quality recordings, etc., and we will be able to provide you with the most accurate quote once we have listened to the recording.
If you require further information on PACE interview transcription services, please do not hesitate to contact us for a quotation. Our team is always on hand to answer any queries you may have.
Call today for a chat on 0800 158 3747 or drop us an email at office@mcgowantranscriptions.co.uk
