Eyewitness Identification: Unfinished Discussion and Directions for Future Research - Expert Chat Webinar, NIJ and Harvard's Government Innovators Network

• NCJ Number: 234733
• Author(s): Philip J. Cline; Roy S. Malpass Ph.D.; Nancy Steblay Ph.D.; James Doyle
• Date Published: February 2007
• Length: 5 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Issue Overview; Instructional Material

Annotation

This is the video and related summary reports on the current status of studies of eyewitness identification and directions for future research, as presented in a 2007 webinar sponsored by the National Institute of Justice and Harvard's Government Innovators Network.

Abstract

In this online event, a panel of three experts reviews and expands on a recent study of the reliability of photo array and lineup procedures conducted within the Chicago Police Department. This study found, contrary to expectations, that sequential presentation of photos and lineup subjects was not superior to simultaneous presentation in obtaining reliable eyewitness identifications. Subsequent conferences at Loyola and the Police Executive Research Forum resulted in heated debates on research methodology and policy implications, as well as calls for future research. In building upon this study and related discussion, the current webinar provides diverse perspectives on eyewitness identification procedures, with a focus on research that has occurred since the conferences at Loyola and the Police Executive Research Forum. After opening comments from the presenters, the forum was opened to questions from the audience. The discussion also offered insights into how researchers and practitioners can collaborate effectively when developing and implementing research studies on field procedures. Slides from the presentations are accessible in PDF format. 12 reference reports and web sites and 4 recent news reports on eyewitness-identification studies