Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 7, 2025 Interrogation bill reintroduced in an effort to combat wrongful convictions An Act preventing false confessions would make Massachusetts a national leader in banning deceptive tactics during interrogations Special to The Advocate T his week State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Middlesex) and State Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Middlesex) announced the introduction of legislation to prohibit law enforcement officials from using deceptive tactics during inNeed a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? For more info, call (857) 249-7882 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! terrogations, which have been known to coerce false confessions or unreliable incriminating statements. An Act preventing false confessions (HD.3010/ SD.1443) would also require officers to record custodial interrogations, a recommendation handed down by the Supreme Judicial Court in 2004 in Commonwealth v. DiGiambattista, and something many jurisdictions already implement. If the legislation is passed, Massachusetts would become a leader in banning and preventing law enforcement from knowingly or recklessly lying to obtain confessions from either juveniles or adults. Massachusetts is among 40 states where there are no laws preventing police from using deceptive tactics during questioning, such as falsely claiming that physical evidence points to someone’s guilt. These psychological tactics can intimidate individuals into making false confessions, often leading to wrongful convictions. Since 1989 false confessions have resulted in more than 400 wrongful convictions across the country. “Massachusetts has an opportunity to be a national leader in ending deceptive interrogation tactics – a practice that undermines the integrity of our criminal legal system,” said Rep. Lipper-Garabedian. “An Act Preventing False Confessions would be a vital step forward in safeguarding the rights of individuals in Massachusetts and preventing wrongful convictions tency in our criminal legal system. This would not only protect those at risk of being coerced into false confessions, but also strengthen public safety.” In 1982, at the age of 24, VicKate Lipper-Garabedian State Representative before more innocent people lose their liberty and real perpetrators continue to pose a danger in our communities.” Deceptive tactics result in significant financial and public safety collateral consequences in Massachusetts. Over 90 innocent men and women have spent a combined total of over 1,273 years in prison for a crime they did not commit. Correcting wrongful convictions have already cost taxpayers millions of dollars in civil settlements and state compensation awards. Additionally, they create a false sense of security while an innocent individual endures the consequences of unjust incarceration. “Innocent people, particularly vulnerable ones like youth, people with disabilities, and English language learners, are too often subjected to psychologically coercive techniques during law enforcement interrogations,” said Sen. Jehlen. “By prohibiting deception and requiring the recording of interrogations, Massachusetts can improve transparency, accuracy, and consistor Rosario was wrongly convicted in Massachusetts of arson and the murders of eight people based on a false confession obtained through coercive tactics, including false information, threats and prolonged interrogation. He spent 32 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, until his conviction was vacated in 2014 after an investigation revealed unreliable forensic evidence and coercive police tactics and misconduct. In May 2023, Rosario won a $13 million settlement, one of the largest wrongful conviction awards in the history of the Commonwealth. “Wrongful imprisonment impacts individuals, families, and communities, often for generations,” said New England Innocence Project Executive Director Radha Natarajan. “Deceptive tactics used during police interrogations are one of the leading causes of false confessions and, ultimately, wrongful convictions. Recording interrogations is necessary to uncover these deceptive tactics and false confessions. With HD.3010/SD.1443, Massachusetts has an opportunity to be a leader in preventing wrongful convictions and safeguarding the rights of Bay Staters.” Visit NewEnglandInnocence. org for more information. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or www.810bargrille.com Info@advocatenews.net
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