Identifying Suspects: Procedures and Strategies

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary importance of witness descriptions in police investigations?

They provide an alibi for the suspect.

They often result in identifying suspects. (correct)

They can lead to dismissing charges.

They are primarily used for generating case reports.

What procedural step must be taken with the witness's first description?

It must be recorded accurately and in detail. (correct)

It should be rewritten for clarity.

It should be withheld until further evidence is gathered.

It is optional if the witness was unsure.

Which identification method is NOT mentioned in relation to child witnesses?

Voice recognition technology. (correct)

Use of photographs.

Descriptions from eye witnesses.

Electronic facial identification.

When establishing the identity of a suspect, what is an alternative method besides witness descriptions?

Body samples and fingerprints. Signup and view all the answers

How can electronic methods assist in the identification of suspects?

By using facial recognition technology. Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized during the interview process with eye witnesses?

Detailed and careful interviewing. Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when verifying a suspect's identity?

Physical attributes such as build and height. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of photographs in identification procedures?

To assist in confirming witness descriptions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the age range of the suspect as described by the witness?

23-25 years Signup and view all the answers

Which item of clothing is specifically mentioned as having a white tick?

Black Nike top Signup and view all the answers

What distinctive physical feature does the suspect have?

Scar above the lip Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate height range of the suspect?

5’6” - 5’8” Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes the suspect's hair?

Brown short hair at back Signup and view all the answers

What was noted about the suspect's walk?

Slight limp with left leg Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered if a child requires the suspect to speak or adopt a specific posture during identification?

A full identification parade should be considered. Signup and view all the answers

Who can request the use of stand-ins in an Identification Parade?

The Procurator Fiscal or Defence Agent. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to be aware of correct methods of identifying a suspect?

To avoid invalidating the evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What approach should be taken regarding assumptions about the perpetrator's identity?

Gather all available evidence before concluding. Signup and view all the answers

What can be done in the case where the suspect might be misidentified, as per the example given?

Use fingerprints to eliminate suspects quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of making assumptions about a suspect's identity?

Increased likelihood of wrongful convictions. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if there is doubt about the suspect's identity using video identification?

Opt for a full identification parade. Signup and view all the answers

When might a video identification parade be deemed inappropriate?

If a child or vulnerable witness needs specific actions from the suspect. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the photobook mentioned?

For training purposes Signup and view all the answers

How many photographs are used in the identification principles discussed?

12 photographs Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of identification is emphasized in the content?

The format of photographs used Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the format of the training materials?

It will look different in practice Signup and view all the answers

What type of environment is implied for the application of these principles?

An operational police environment Signup and view all the answers

What key topic appears to be deliberately omitted from the content provided?

The types of offenses related to identification Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of photographs that should be shown to a witness?

12 Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured about the other photographs provided to the witness?

They should be of people of a similar age and appearance. Signup and view all the answers

How should the witness be isolated during the identification process?

By ensuring no other witnesses are present. Signup and view all the answers

What should the photographs not include to aid in suspect identification?

Any identifying marks. Signup and view all the answers

What type of confirmation is allowed after a witness makes a positive identification?

No confirmation of any kind. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement should be relayed to a witness before showing them photographs?

The individual you saw may or may not be in the album. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a witness identifies a suspect from photographs?

Conduct an identification parade for other witnesses. Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstance can a second witness be shown a book of photographs?

If it is not feasible to place the suspect in an identification parade. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Principles of Identification Procedures

Identification procedures aim to establish the identity of a suspect seen at a crime scene, regardless of whether the witness knows them personally.
Witness descriptions form the foundation for further inquiries and potential identification, emphasizing the importance of accurate and detailed witness interviews.
The initial description provided by the witness must be meticulously recorded.

Guidance for Obtaining Witness Descriptions

Witnesses are crucial in police investigations for suspect identification.
Detailed descriptions should include age, build, clothing, distinctive features, and other observable traits.
Accurate recording includes specifics like time, the number of photographs shown, and the witness's statement regarding identification.

Photograph Identification Process

Witnesses should view a photo lineup containing 12 photographs, including the suspect’s image, alongside similar-looking individuals.
Photographs must not bear marks identifying the suspect's photo.
Witnesses should make selections independently, without assistance or consultation.
No encouragement or confirmation should be provided during the identification process.
If a positive identification occurs, other witnesses should undergo an identification parade rather than viewing photographs again.

Handling of Child and Vulnerable Witnesses

In cases involving children or vulnerable individuals, considerations arise regarding the suspect's ability to communicate or perform specific actions during the identification process.
If direct identification is not feasible, alternative methods, such as photographs or video identification, may be considered but only under certain conditions.

Identification Parades

Identification parades can involve stand-ins upon request by legal authorities.
In serious incidents, these parades remain a vital identification method to gather evidence.

Professional Standards

Familiarity with proper identification methods is essential to avoid invalidating evidence through improper practices.
Evidence gathering should be comprehensive, as initial assumptions may lead to overlooking potential suspects.
Fingerprint analysis can be crucial in excluding individuals based on physical evidence.

Additional Considerations

Revisiting or reassessing all available evidence is recommended instead of relying solely on eyewitness accounts, as circumstantial factors may mislead investigations.

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Description

This quiz explores the principles and procedures involved in identifying suspects in police investigations. It covers the importance of accurate witness descriptions, the process of obtaining those descriptions, and the photograph identification method. Test your knowledge on how these techniques play a critical role in criminal justice.