Making the best use of video identification parades and meeting the needs of vulnerable witnesses

Visual identification plays an important role in the investigation and detection of crimes in the UK and eyewitness evidence can play a major role in prosecutions.

The proposed project aims to:

undertake a detailed statistical analysis of the outcome of video identification parades conducted in a sample of Scottish and English police forces in 2008-2009;

to develop a draft identification package for police forces based on up-to-date psychological research.

To ensure consistency in practice in recording the identification decisions of eyewitnesses, a standard pro-forma will be developed for recording eyewitness decisions together with directions on how best to apply the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE, 1984) Codes of Practice, (2008).

A third aim is to facilitate the development of information booklets for witnesses so they can be better informed about what to expect from a video identification parade.

The first phase of the project is almost complete and will present the outcome of video identification parades in a sample of police forces in England and Wales will be analysed. The next phase will involve interviews with key personnel responsible for the conduct of parades to develop guidance on video parades that takes the research findings into account.