Identification Procedures Flashcards
what is the purpose of IPs?
- The purpose of IPs is to test the reliability of an eye witnessed visual identification evidence and provide a safeguard against mistake.
when shall an IP be convened?
An IP shall be convened where W has either:
- identified S
- purports to have identified them
- thinks they can identify S
- has a reasonable chance of identifying S
and
o S disputes being the person identified
when can an IP be convened?
- An IP can also be held if the officer in charge considers it would be useful
where an IP ‘shall’ be convened, when does an IP not need to be held?
Give examples
it is not practicable; or
would serve no useful purpose in proving / disproving whether S was involved in committing the crime.
Examples:
S admits being at the scene and gives an account which doesn’t contradict W’s
When S and W already know each other and this is not disputed
what must be done before any IP is undertaken?
- Before any identification takes place, the police must take a description of S from W and give a copy to S/their solicitor before the IP, if practicable
re: initial steps
what will inform whether an IP is used or not?
whether S is known to the police or not:
o S not known street identification (i.e. the police take W to a particular place to see if W can identify S). If S is identified using this method, an IP should be used to test the reliability of the street identification
o S has been arrested identification procedure (i.e. video, parade etc)
what is the position regarding photographs?
Police keep photos of those with pre-cons & can show these to W, subject to certain requirements
what must the police do if they are showing W photographs?
o Take a description of S from W and record this before showing photos
o Show W at least 12 photos at a time
o Show no other Ws the photos once a positive identification has been made
o Tell S/their solicitor if Ws were shown photos or computerised images
what happens once Ws have been shown photographs?
- All Ws will then take part in an IP
if Ws are shown photographs, what happens at trial?
- If the case comes to trial, W cannot say in evidence they identified S from photographs shown to them by the police
what are the types of identification procedure?
Video Identification
Identification Parade
Group Identification
Confrontation
what cannot happens before a video identification or identification parade?
Ws are not:
o Allowed to communicate with each other about the case;
o Overhear a W who has already seen the material / line up
o See any images / members of the parade (or after the parade)
o See or be reminded of any photograph or description of S
o Be given any other indication of S’s identity
re: video identification
briefly, what is the procedure?
- W is shown video images of S and 8 others of a similar age, appearance and position in life to S. They must be in the same position/doing the same act
re: video identification
what are the obligations in terms of the video images?
- there are 8 video images of others of a similar age, appearance and position in life to S. They must be in the same position/doing the same act
o If there are 2 suspects of similar appearance and shown in the same images, there must be at least 12 other people - If S has any usual features (i.e. tattoos), the police can conceal these or replicate them on the others. W can request to see the original.
re: video identification
Will S see the video images?
S/their solicitor must be given reasonable opportunity to see the images before they are shown to Ws.
If they have a ‘reasonable objection’ (i.e. one does not like S), the police must remove the ground for objection if practicable
re: video identification
can S object to the images?
If they have a ‘reasonable objection’ (i.e. one does not like S), the police must remove the ground for objection if practicable
re: video identification
will S be at the IP?
- S won’t be at the IP but their solicitor can be (reasonable notice to be given)
re: video identification
what can W do at the IP?
- can request to see an original photo if something has been added/concealed
- Ws view one at a time
- they can freeze and view as often as needed