Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Monday that he expects a New York Police Department program that calls for the full videotaping of interrogations in major crimes to be implemented while he is still in office.

Mr. Bloomberg said he supports the practice that is gaining traction nationally and has been endorsed by civil liberties groups, defense attorneys and members of law enforcement.

Last week, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said the NYPD will significantly expand the pilot program of videotaping interrogations to include all suspects of murder and sexual-assault cases in the city, but he offered no timeline.

"It takes a long time to get going because you want to make sure you do it right, but I certainly support Commissioner Kelly," Mr. Bloomberg said at a news conference on an unrelated matter. "I think it's an idea that's time has come."

When asked if the practice would be put in place before the next mayor takes office in January 2014, Mr. Bloomberg said: "I don't know that you'll get it every place but I think you make major progress within the next year, year and quarter."