Eyewitness identification Flashcards
How many photos should a photo array consist of at a minimum?
A minimum of six photographs.
What is the recommended number of fillers in a photo array?
Use a minimum of five fillers and only one suspect.
Why should photos in a photo array be reasonably similar in age, height, weight, and general appearance?
To match the witness’s description of the suspect.
What type of presentation is preferred for showing a photo array to a witness?
A blind presentation.
What should be done before a witness views a photo array in a blind presentation?
The witness should be given a copy of the instructions to read.
Why should witnesses not be permitted to see any photos of the suspect prior to the photo array?
To prevent bias in the identification process.
What should officers avoid during identification procedures with witnesses?
Officers should avoid using cues or providing unnecessary/influential information.
What should be done following an identification during a procedure?
The administrator should ask the witness for a confidence statement and document the response.
What should an administrator do in a sequential photo array if a blind administrator is not available?
Ensure a blinded presentation by shuffling folders so the sequence is unknown.
How should photo folders be positioned so that the witness is unaware of the number?
Position them so the witness does not know the number shown.
What should the administrator do if a witness identifies someone before all photos are shown?
Continue showing all photos, asking after each if the person is recognized.
What action should be taken if a witness asks to see a particular photo or the entire array again?
Inform the witness they may view the entire array only once, with documentation.
What information should be preserved in the case file related to the identification process?
Administrator’s name, procedures used, date/time/location, persons shown, names present, array viewing details.
What is the purpose of the eyewitness identification policy?
To establish guidelines for showups and photo arrays to maximize identification reliability.
What does the policy recognize about sequential and simultaneous identification methods?
Both are valid, and the policy does not recommend one over the other.
