Videotaping murder suspects may soon become a law in Illinois, and it has brought mixed feelings to local law enforcement agencies.

Lt. Jim Kayes of the DeKalb Police Department supports the concept of the bill, which passed in a State Senate committee earlier this month. The bill will make videotaping the interrogation of murder suspects mandatory statewide.

However, Kayes does not agree with the state enforcing this policy on police departments, but paralleled the introduction of the policy to that of the enaction of the Miranda warning, which requires officers to inform persons in custody of their rights. Kayes said the Miranda warning was not popular among departments at its first introduction either.

DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott also held negative feelings about the videotaping bill being passed into law statewide, but assures citizens that they will comply with the law.

Scott said the department already has begun complying with the spirit of the bill beginning last summer at the urging of DeKalb State’s Attorney Ron Matekaitis. Murder suspect Timothy Kelley was videotaped last year because the equipment was available. Scott said, Kelley’s co-defendant, William Nally, was not videotaped because he was not interviewed at the sheriff’s department.

The biggest concern for both law enforcement officials is whether the interrogation tapes will be made public. If that is the case, Scott pointed out that defense attorneys will be able to use them to learn police techniques. Kayes said the lawyers also would be able to nitpick at police tactics.

Overall, however, neither official seemed concerned about problems following the bill if it becomes law. Scott felt that the flexibility of the law would allow for spontaneous confessions, and the bill would not change how the department conducts interrogations. Kayes said he thinks that once the logistics are worked out in the city department to finance the equipment and space needed compliance will not be a major issue.