UMass told to stop police station recordings

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) - A judge has ordered the University of Massachusetts-Amherst to stop all unnecessary recordings in the campus's new police station following complaints from the officers themselves.

UMass police complained that the 32 video security cameras throughout the state-of-the-art building that opened in April can also record private conversations. Their lawyer says the officers' privacy rights are being violated.

Suspect interviews and bookings are recorded as a matter of procedure.

A lawyer for the university said in Hampshire Superior Court on Wednesday that there would be no problem complying with the order since no unwarranted recording has occurred.

The Daily Hampshire Gazette reports that a lawyer for the officers is seeking a more permanent solution, such as disabling the audio capabilities of the cameras outside interview and booking areas.