The Description and Identification Process Flashcards
____ awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation or the physical sensations interpreted in the light of experience
(No two person perceive complex events in the same manner)
All person, including training individuals, are subject to perceptual distortion; this makes it difficult at times to get fear and accurate information for the investigation
May be defined by what we think, as well as what we see
Can be confused as fact
(Most people are not trained in recollection and evaluation of what they have observed practice and experience can better develop this ability)
The Description and Identification Process
PERCEPTION;
Assist In:
Witness credibility
Analysis of witness information to further investigations
Improving observational skills, which equates to enhanced (officer safety)
The Description and Identification Process
LAW ENFORCEMENT UNDERSTANDING ON HOW FACTORS INFLUENCE PERCEPTION:
Observer
Events observed
Ambient Conditions
The Description and Identification Process
THREE MAJOR COMPONENTS THAT AFFECT THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERCEPTION;
Cultural background, education, training, personality, motivation, interests, mental or physical state, family
In order to accurately perceive an event, the observer must be (physical present, conscious, and attentive to the event)
Make no assumptions!
The Description and Identification Process
THE OBSERVER;
(Certain factors/circumstantial conditions will influence a person’s ability to properly perceive an event):
Bright colors, exotic or unusual vehicles, unusual attire, tattoos, piercings, body art, moving objects, objects out of place or out of ordinary, distinct changes in activity level, provocation and sensual overtones
The Description and Identification Process
EVENTS BEING OBSERVED;
Weather - rain, snow, fog, etc.
Illumination - differing types of lighting (patrol car emergency lights, parking lot illumination, etc.) can influence perception in that witnesses or victims may incorrectly decipher the color of a vehicle, object, clothing, etc.
Background nosies/events - sirens, screams, gunfire, etc.
The Description and Identification Process
AMBIENT CONDITIONS;
Physical Stress
Psychological Stress
Acute Stress
The Description and Identification Process
STRESS DIRECTLY IMPACTS HUMAN PERCEPTION;
When we place demands on the body
Increased heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate
Beneficial for enhanced performance
Training = resilience
“Fight or flight”
(Does not impact the rational mind as much as psychological stress)
Can be difficult to obtain information from witness or victim due to ____ ____
The Description and Identification Process
PHYSICAL STRESS;
Takes place when the perception of a stimulus, rather than the actual stimulus, determines how an individual responds to stress
“Fear of the thing is worse than the thing itself”
(Fear of public speaking?)
(Court testimony?)
(Disciplined child waiting on couch for father to arrive?)
The Description and Identification Process
PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS;
Occurs when the victim is placed in a terrifying or traumatic event that is sudden, novel, or unexpected, and is of relatively short duration
State of emergency
(Armed robbery, kidnapping, auto accident, IED on convoy, etc)
(Victims may have impaired cognitive function, and may not be able to provide a description of person or event)
(PTSD Risk)
(Behavioral Contagion) - emotions, attitudes, and behavior patterns may spread, escalate, or carry through participants in an event; finding toilet paper during COVID example
(Preservation of Action) - an individual repeats an ineffective activity; pulling trigger on jammed pistol/malfunction clearance drills
The Description and Identification Process
ACUTE STRESS;
Age
Vision - Perceptual Narrowing or Tunnel Vision
Hearing
Smell
Taste
Point of View (Vantage Point)
Illusions - people in dangerous and stressful situations often overestimate duration and distance
Other Physical Conditions - disease, pain, hunger, fatigue, unnatural body positions, under the influence
The Description of Identification Process
PHYSICAL FACTORS AND PERCEPTION;
- Group Pressure - many people conform to another’s point of view
- Perceptual Narrowing or Tunnel Vision - single-mindedly concentrating on one object
- Intense Feelings, Emotions and Attitudes - the stronger the motivational state, the greater -perceptual changes
- First Impressions - existing biases
- Previous Experiences -
- Expectations
- Projection
- Stereotyping - assumptions from prejudices
- Personal Interests - career field or hobby
- Cultural Background - can influence interaction with LEO
- Social Role - fear or retribution
The Description and Identification Process
PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AND PERCEPTION;
Have compassion and reassurance
Use specific sensory questions
Suggested Questions Regarding Suspect - age, height, weight, body type/description, race, speech/sounds, clothing, behavior, hair, facial features
Suggested Questions Regarding Vehicles - last known direction, year, make, model, color, damage, accessories, number of doors, tag number, sounds
The Description and Identification Process
THE WITNESS/VICTIM INTERVIEW;
Also known as “show up”
Reasonable time frame conducted
No suggestive thinking
Avoid unlawful arrest possibilities
The Description and Identification Process
IN FIELD IDENTIFICATION;
Not overly suggestive, think consistency in preparing
Simultaneous Lineups - view all the same time
Sequential Lineups - one person at a time
Composition of a lineup - AUSA guidelines, match general description, limit conversation,
The Description and Identification Process
PHYSICAL & PHOTOGRAPHIC LINEUPS;
