A field evaluation of the VIPER system: a new technique for eliciting eyewitness identification evidence

Memon, Amina; Havard, Catriona; Clifford, Brian; Gabbert, Fiona and Watt, Moray (2011). A field evaluation of the VIPER system: a new technique for eliciting eyewitness identification evidence. Psychology, Crime & Law, 17(8) pp. 711–729.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10683160903524333

Abstract

Advances in technology have led to a new system for gathering facial identification evidence from eyewitnesses with accompanying changes in legislation in the UK. The current paper presents the responses of 1718 real witnesses and victims who attempted an identification from a video parade in Scotland in 2008. The witnesses comprised a large subset who were classified as ‘vulnerable’ due to their age, ability or the nature of the incident. Suspect identifications averaged 44%, a figure comparable to the rate reported in other field studies conducted in the UK. The foil identification rate at 42% is higher than other field data. The paper discusses the effects of witness age, vulnerability, perceived emotional state, crime type, delay and procedural aspects of the video procedure on suspect identifications.

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