A comparison of video and static photo lineups with child and adolescent witnesses

Havard, Catriona; Memon, Amina; Clifford, Brian and Gabbert, Fiona (2010). A comparison of video and static photo lineups with child and adolescent witnesses. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 24(9) pp. 1209–1221.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/acp.1645

Abstract

In the UK video parades are the preferred method of identification employed in criminal cases. This policy implementation has been employed with little or no evidence concerning its validity. The reported research examines the effect of new video technology on children's identification evidence. The study compared 7–9 and 13–15-year olds' ability to make identifications from either video or static photo lineups. Two hundred and fifteen participants witnessed a live event and then after a delay of 2–3 days viewed a target present (TP), or target absent (TA) video or photo lineup. For video and photo TP lineups, correct responses did not differ as a function of age. Video lineups produced lower rates of false identifications for the TA lineups, but only for adolescent witnesses. It is concluded that there is nothing contra-indicated in the use of video identification procedures with children, and possibly certain benefits can accrue from its use.