However, tape recording does not appear to have inhibited suspects from making damaging admissions or from confessing; information obtained about other offenses has not decreased either. The research is designed to provide information at all stages of the criminal process to permit a detailed assessment of the impact of tape recording. The focus is on the length of interviews, the time taken by police officers to prepare their notes and statements, and the value of the evidence and criminal intelligence obtained. The project will show the impact of taped interviews on court business in terms of plea rates, lengths of hearing, and challenges at court. The field trials began in early 1984 in six police areas. This interim report describes the background to the research and the methodologies used. Data tables, a list of 49 references, and appendixes presenting the methodology are included.