NCJ Number
164662
Date Published
Unknown
Length
40 pages
Annotation
The use of a computerized, multimedia mug book to improve eyewitness identification was tested experimentally with participants who viewed a simulated, videotaped crime and then attempted an identification from computerized mug book files.
Abstract
The computerized multimedia mug book was designed to enhance the normal static mug shot with the person's voice, a videoclip of the person walking, and a rotating view of the head. These added views were intended to enhance eyewitness recall by reinstating the dynamic context surrounding the crime. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three mug-book conditions: (1) Dynamic No Choice, in which every static mug shot was followed by the presentation of a computerized video clip; (2) Dynamic Choice, in which static mug shots were followed by the dynamic information only when chosen by the participant; and (3) Static, in which just the static mug shot was presented. Results revealed that, as predicted, the dynamic conditions were superior to the static condition in the number of false positive identifications made on the 69 pictures preceding that of the perpetrator. The use of the dynamic choice mug book reduced the number of false positives by 41 percent compared to the static condition. Findings indicate that a dynamic mug book would both reduce the number of false leads for the police to investigate and significantly reduce the potential for convicting an innocent person based on mug-book identification. Tables and 28 references (Author summary modified)