2. There are currently no police orders or guidelines setting out the circumstances under which police officers should keep the door of the Interview Room closed or open during an interview.

3. An officer should consult the interviewee and any IPCC observer before making a decision on whether or not to leave the door open. Where possible he should try to accommodate the wish of the interviewee, but the final decision must lie with the interviewing officer and he should be prepared to explain the decision he takes.

4. It is impracticable to issue guidelines, which are sufficiently comprehensive and yet flexible enough to cater for all situations. It would be a matter for the officer's judgment on the spot in order to ensure the smooth running of an interview. Officers should exercise common sense and good judgment to avoid criticism and complaint when conducting interviews. If an officer decides not to close the door of the Interview Room during an interview, he or she should be prepared to justify such course of action.

(This column is contributed by the Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch)