NCJ Number
100403
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 13 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1985) Pages: 303-309
Date Published
1985
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The accuracy of eyewitness identification can be improved by paying attention to eyewitness characteristics, the characteristics of the person being identified, the procedures for interviewing the eyewitness, and recall procedures such as lineups and mugshots.
Abstract
The age, race, sex, and physical or psychological impairment of an eyewitness affect identification. Lighting, feature presentation, disguise, stress, and the length and duration of contact are also crucial circumstances affecting eyewitness identification. Questioning witnesses separately, starting with openended questions, and avoiding leading questions are important aspects of effective questioning of eyewitnesses. Lineups and mugshots are more accurate if the identification is made immediately after the event. Lineups should be large enough to reduce the probability of error. The suspect should not be distinctive in comparison with the other members of the lineup. Police recruits should receive eyewitness identification training. 42 references.