Reduction of False Convictions Through Improved Identification Procedures: Further Refinements for Street Practice and Public Policy

The project purpose is to enhance the quality and probative value of forensic eyewitness memory evidence acquired through police lineup procedures. Specific objectives are: (1) An updated meta-analytic review of research comparing simultaneous to sequential lineup formats--an evaluation of the sequential superiority effect and articulation of factors that moderate this effect; (2) Collection and analysis of data in collaboration with the Tucson (Arizona) Police Department to compare eyewitness performance on lineup identifications under double-blind simultaneous versus double-blind sequential lineup procedures, and to provide a summary of the implementation experience; (3) Controlled laboratory testing of the impact on eyewitness choice, accuracy, and confidence of three individual lineup procedural elements: the use of multiple identification tasks with the same witness; an Appearance Change Instruction to eyewitnesses; and relaxation of the Yes/No dichotomous response requirement in the sequential lineup protocol (to allow I don't know responses) This research will integrate these three informational components to generate refined recommendations for field practice and public policy, and to provide empirical data for advancement in research and theory.

ca/ncf