Human vision does not capture a perfect, error-freetrace of a witnessed event. Eyewitnesses make tens of thousands of identifications in criminal investigations each year. Almost 3/4 of DNA exonerations involved at least one mistaken eyewitness identification. Many law enforcement agencies lack standard written policies or training on administration of identification procedures. Judges and juries may not understand the limits of eyewitness identification, and may assign undue significance to it. A stronger, more focused research agenda can lead to more effective eyewitness identification practices, yielding more accurate identifications.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Law Enforcement Recommendations for the Judicial System Recommendations for Research