Basic+Information-Eyewitness+Identification+2011-2


 * Background information **

Prosecutors and authorities rely greatly on the testimonies of eye witnesses. They can lead to new leads, ground breaking evidence to prove or disprove the charges against the accused.  There are different ways authorities can gather information from an eye witness. These methods include lineups, digital imaging system, composites, and show-ups. Investigators will record the the whole procedure to preserve the information gathered.

 Lineups: A line up can either be of photos or individuals viewed live by the witness. The display will consist of photos or people consisting of one suspect and the rest fillers. The people will be presented in a way in which the suspect will not stand out in such a way that may automatically have him chosen. The witness will choose from these people and see if they can identify the suspect. If this were to happen it would provide tremendous evidence for the case. There are also Blind Testing Procedure, where the official does not know who the suspect is eliminating any witness influence that could occur.

 Digital Imaging System: A collection of pictures of recently arrested persons that may be used in the case. This is used when other resources have been exhausted and a suspect has still not been found. This procedure may provide possible suspects but should not be considered concrete.

 Composites: A sketch created off of the witness’s description. This gives the officers a better idea of what the suspect looks like, but they should not be considered stand alone evidence nor will they likely rise the level of probable cause.

 Show-ups: When officers bring a person in and the witness states whether or not they are the suspect. Problems with procedure

**Comparison with other states:** Reform measures mandating that police use established best practices when collecting eyewitness evidence have been implemented in New Jersey, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Minnesota. Bills on the same topic have been proposed in Georgia, New Mexico, California, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and others

75% of the 200 wrongful convictions were caused by eyewitness misidentification.
 * Stats:**



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