NCJ Number
10754
Date Published
1971
Length
245 pages
Annotation
SHORTCOMINGS OF SUSPECT IDENTIFICATION AND POLICE PRACTICES.
Abstract
IN DISCUSSING ERRONEOUS IDENTIFICATION, THE AUTHOR NOTES TWO PRINCIPAL CAUSES. THESE ARE THE NORMAL HUMAN FALLIBILITIES OF PERCEPTION AND MEMORY AND THE INFLUENCE OF IMPROPER SUGGESTION ON IDENTIFYING WITNESSES. THE BOOK DISCUSSES HOW POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD CONDUCT AN IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE THAT IS RELIABLE AND NOT SUBJECT TO ATTACK AT TRIAL. 'ADDITIONAL MATERIAL ATTEMPTS TO 'SHOW DEFENSE LAWYERS HOW TO SPOT DEFECTS IN IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE'. THE SECOND HALF OF THIS BOOK ANALYZES RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE WHICH HAVE AN EFFECT UPON THE IDENTIFICATION PROBLEM AND OFFERS SUGGESTIONS FOR CHANGES WHICH COULD BE MADE IN THESE RULES. INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS DEAL WITH EVIDENCE OF PRIOR IDENTIFICATION, CORROBORATION, AND WARNING. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED) (BIBLIOGRAPHY)