NCJ Number
158005
Date Published
1994
Length
123 pages
Annotation
This study evaluates how "identification parades" (line-ups) are used in Great Britain as well as their effectiveness and proposes a new identification system.
Abstract
Chapters consider the historical development of parades, current law bearing on parades under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984, and cases that elucidate current law and practice. Another chapter reports on the results of interviews with participants in parades, including witnesses, suspects, attorneys, and identification officers. The costs of parades and the effectiveness of the evidence obtained are considered in a case study, and 1 year of parades at one site are reviewed to check the accuracy and consistency of the results obtained. Future projections of costs are presented, and an identification system is proposed to address the problems identified. The findings show that identification parades do not provide consistent results, and there is no way a parade can be reconstructed for a court once it has concluded. Suspects are repeatedly changing their appearance, masking their distinguishing features so as to defeat witness identifications. The value of the evidence obtained is minimal. The new identification system proposed would use full body movement color videos selected by computer for compatibility with the suspect's description and video picture. Computer access to the video library would permit the obtaining of identification evidence within 24 hours of the suspect's arrest. Cost estimates and logistical recommendations are provided. Tables, figures, and appended supplementary material