A system to supervise police interrogations will be introduced on a trial basis at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) headquarters and 10 police stations in Tokyo in September, the MPD said.

The supervision system has already been put into place in Gunma, Kagoshima and three other prefectural police forces. The system will be put into full operation across the nation in April next year.

The MPD will set up a 19-member preparation office on Tuesday next week for the implementation of the supervision system, according to the MPD.

Under the new system, supervisors will look over interrogations by observing the interrogation room through a magic mirror and by examining interrogation records.

At the MPD headquarters, two officers from the preparation office will serve as supervisors, while at each police station, the head of the police administration division or deputy head of the police station will serve as a supervisor.

If supervisors notice any inappropriate acts by interrogators, inspectors appointed by the Superintendent General will conduct on-the-spot investigations.

During the trial period, the head of the preparation office at the MPD will serve as the inspector.

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