Opinion ID: 2227408
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Admitting the Tape Recording

Text: Appellant claims the court erred in admitting at trial State's Exhibit Five, the tape-recorded telephone conversation between appellant and Kolb which occured on April 25, 1987. The foundational requirements for admission of a tape recording made in a non-custodial setting are: 1) that the recording is authentic and correct, 2) that it does not contain evidence otherwise inadmissible, and 3) that it be of such clarity as to be intelligible and enlightening to the jury. Cf. Freeman v. State (1989), Ind., 541 N.E.2d 533, 538. The trial court has wide discretion in determining whether these criteria have been met. Hobson v. State (1984), Ind., 471 N.E.2d 281, 286. Appellant objected to admission of the recording. He contends the foundation and chain of custody were inadequate and that profanity on the recording caused its prejudicial effect to outweigh its probative value. Appellant also claims the contents of the recording were cumulative. We conclude that sufficient foundation was laid. Kolb testified that he listened to the recording the night before he testified and that it was a true and accurate recording of his conversation. The recording did not contain any otherwise inadmissible evidence, nor was there any problem with its clarity. There is no chain of custody requirement for admission of tape recordings. The foundational requirements stated above are sufficient to ensure that there was no tampering with the evidence. The probative value of the recording to show whether McCollum was in fact Kolb's cocaine supplier was great. The minimal profanity contained in the conversation was not so prejudicial as to outweigh this probative value. Finally, it is not reversible error to admit contents of a recording that are merely cumulative. Fassoth v. State (1988), Ind., 525 N.E.2d 318. The tape recording was properly admitted.