Recognizing a suspect is a crucial part of many criminal investigations, But it is also prone to errors and biases that can lead to wrongful convictions. Research has shown that some factors can improve the accuracy and reliability of witness identification, How to use fair queues, avoid suggestive influences, instruct witnesses properly and record the proceedings. But police officers don't always follow these evidence-based practices in real cases.
Why there is a gap between research and practice in identifying witnesses? And how can we reduce it? A study by Cecconello and colleagues answered these questions by testing the effectiveness of a training program for police officers in Brazil. The program, called FAIR (Find the suspect – Find a suspect, Avoiding Bias, Avoid bias, Instruct the witness, Instruct the witness, Record the procedue, Record the procedure), It aimed to teach police officers how to conduct witness identification procedures according to the best scientific evidence.
The researchers recruited 88 police officers and divided them into two groups: one received FAIR training and the other did not. The training consisted of four sessions of four hours each, Covering topics such as memory processes, alignment construction, Instructions for witnesses and recording methods. The researchers evaluated the performance of the two groups before and after training on an alignment-building task, where they had to create an alignment with one suspect and five people based on a description of a criminal.
The results showed that FAIR training improved police identification procedures. After the training, the officers appeared to be fairer alignments, with greater inclusion of non-suspects, Instructions (for instance, declaring that the perpetrator may not be in the midst of the faces) and feedback (for example, asking for the degree of trust in an appropriate way;). The trained group also reduced non-recommended practices, How to reveal the identity of the main suspect after a response from the witness.
Feedback from officers also supported the conclusion that FAIR training increased their knowledge and awareness of how to conduct witness identification procedures. Nevertheless, Some participants also expressed concerns about the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the reform procedures in their work environment. They anticipated that they would face resistance from their superiors and colleagues, who may not have been familiar with or supportive of evidence-based practices, or that there is a need for the State to offer adequate infrastructure (for instance, a bank of non-suspects).
This study demonstrates that training officers in evidence-based witness identification procedures can improve their performance and reduce potential errors and biases. Nevertheless, It also highlights the need for more support and resources from police institutions and policies to enable the adoption of these practices in real cases. The authors suggest that future research should evaluate the long-term effects of FAIR training and its impact on the actual outcomes of witness identification.
Read more in the original article: Cecconello, W. W., Fitzgerald, R. J., Milne, R., & Stein, L. M. (2022). Mind the gap: Bridging evidence-based witness identification procedures to practice through police training. International Journal of Police Science & Management, 14613557231159543.