Nevada § 171.1239 - Electronic recording of custodial interrogations conducted in place of detention; adoption of policies by law enforcement agency

Full text of Nevada Nevada Revised Statutes § 171.1239 — Electronic recording of custodial interrogations conducted in place of detention; adoption of policies by law enforcement agency, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 171.1239. Electronic recording of custodial interrogations conducted in place of detention; adoption of policies by law enforcement agency

1. Each law enforcement agency in this State shall adopt detailed, written policies

regarding the electronic recording of custodial interrogations that are conducted

in a place of detention. 2. Any policies adopted by a law enforcement agency pursuant to this section must

be made available: (a) To all law enforcement officers employed by the law enforcement agency; and (b) For public inspection during normal business hours. 3. Any policies adopted by a law enforcement agency pursuant to this section must

include, without limitation: (a) A requirement that, except as otherwise provided in any policy adopted pursuant

to paragraph (c), an electronic recording must be made of an entire custodial interrogation

which is conducted in a place of detention if the person being interrogated is suspected

of committing homicide as described in NRS 200.010 to 200.260 , inclusive, or sexual assault as defined in NRS 200.366 . (b) A requirement that, except as otherwise provided in any policy adopted pursuant

to paragraph (c), if a person being interrogated chooses to make or sign a written

statement during the course of a custodial interrogation concerning a homicide as

described in NRS 200.010 to 200.260 , inclusive, or sexual assault as defined in NRS 200.366 , the making and signing of the statement must be electronically recorded. (c) The circumstances in which all or a portion of a custodial interrogation is not

required to be electronically recorded, including, without limitation, when: (1) An equipment malfunction prevents the electronic recording of the custodial interrogation

in its entirety and replacement equipment is not immediately available. (2) The law enforcement officer conducting the custodial interrogation fails, in good

faith, to record the interrogation because: (I) He or she inadvertently fails to operate the recording equipment properly; or (II) The recording equipment malfunctions or stops recording without the law enforcement

officer's knowledge. (3) More than one custodial interrogation is being conducted simultaneously, thereby

exceeding the available electronic recording capacity of the recording equipment. (4) The person who is being or will be interrogated: (I) Affirmatively asserts his or her desire to speak with law enforcement officers

without being recorded; (II) Makes a statement spontaneously and not in response to a question asked during

the custodial interrogation; (III) Makes a statement during routine questioning during the process of his or her

arrest; or (IV) Makes a statement at a time when the law enforcement officer conducting the interrogation

is, in good faith, unaware of the person's involvement in a homicide as described

in NRS 200.010 to 200.060 , inclusive, a sexual assault as defined in NRS 200.366 or an offense for which a custodial interrogation is otherwise required to be electronically

recorded in accordance with the policies adopted pursuant to this section. (5) At the time of the custodial interrogation, the law enforcement officer conducting

the interrogation is, in good faith, unaware that the type of offense involved is

a homicide as described in NRS 200.010 to 200.060 , inclusive, a sexual assault as defined in NRS 200.366 or an offense for which a custodial interrogation is otherwise required to be electronically

recorded in accordance with the policies adopted pursuant to this section. (6) Exigent circumstances make recording impractical. (d) Requirements pertaining to the retention and storage of electronic recordings

made pursuant to this section. (e) The circumstances in which all or a portion of an electronic recording is not

required to be retained, including, without limitation, when the electronic recording

is damaged or destroyed, without bad faith on the part of any person or entity in

control of the electronic recording. 4. Each law enforcement agency in this State shall collaborate with the district attorney

of the county in which the law enforcement agency is located regarding the contents

of the policies required to be adopted pursuant to this section. 5. As used in this section: (a) “ Custodial interrogation ” means any interrogation of a person who is required to be advised of his or her

rights pursuant to Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966) . (b) “ Electronic recording ” means an audio or audiovisual recording. (c) “ Interrogation ” means questioning which is initiated by a law enforcement officer or any words or

actions on the part of a law enforcement officer, other than those which are ordinarily

attendant to arrest and custody, that the officer should know are reasonably likely

to elicit an incriminating response from the person who is being questioned. (d) “ Law enforcement agency ” means: (1) The sheriff's office of a county; (2) A metropolitan police department; or (3) A police department of an incorporated city. (e) “ Place of detention ” means a fixed location under the control of a law enforcement agency of this State

where persons are questioned about alleged crimes.

Source: official Nevada text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada § 171.1239

What does Nevada Revised Statutes § 171.1239 cover?

Section 171.1239 ("Electronic recording of custodial interrogations conducted in place of detention; adoption of policies by law enforcement agency") is part of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Nevada. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Nevada § 171.1239?

A common citation format is "Nevada Revised Statutes § 171.1239" (Nevada). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Nevada law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nevada official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nevada attorney.

How does Nevada § 171.1239 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nevada can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nevada.