Psychology of Perception, Eyewitness Identification, and the Lineup (From Criminal Courts for the 21st Century, P 212-224, 1999, Lisa Stolzenberg and Stewart J. D'Alessio, eds. -- See NCJ-186588)

• NCJ Number: 186595
• Author(s): Marvin Zalman; Larry Siegel
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 13 pages
• Sale Source: Prentice Hall (Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc)
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reprinted by permission of West Group from the Criminal Law Bulletin, vol. 27, (1991), pp. 159-176.

Annotation

This article considers the accuracy and reliability of eyewitness testimony and techniques to lessen the incidence of misidentifications.

Abstract

Eyewitness identification, essential to the prosecution of criminals, is a process fraught with variation and uncertainty. Mistaken identification is one part of a broader misidentification problem. A comprehensive public policy approach must suggest several techniques for lessening the incidence of wrongful convictions. Where guilt is based entirely on eyewitness testimony, extraordinary attention must be paid to the general and specific questions of reliability. Expert witnesses must always be allowed to testify on the issue of reliability and special training be given to police officers and to high-risk employees such as those in banks and convenience stores on observation and documentation during criminal incidents. Special training for defense attorneys on the issues of identification is also important. It may also be worthwhile for appropriate agencies to engage in testing and disseminating techniques designed to enhance the accuracy and fairness of identification techniques and lineups. These may include statewide standardized court instructions, mandated interview training through State-chartered police academies, and computerized face-drawing programs. Notes