Eyewitness testimony that is reliable

Impact

NSF-funded research is enhancing eyewitness procedures to ensure greater degree of accuracy

Many states are reevaluating their eyewitness procedures.
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November 7, 2017

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Crime investigators often rely on eyewitness testimony, yet misidentification is a primary cause of convictions of innocent people.

NSF-supported scientists showed that changing how investigators conduct eyewitness procedures can reduce misidentification. Showing witnesses photos one at a time (not side by side) and telling them the suspect may not be pictured are ways to reduce false positives. Additionally, having an officer who is unaware of the suspect's identity conduct these procedures reduces misidentification as the officer is less likely to unintentionally convey information via tone of voice or posture.

The research led many states to reevaluate their eyewitness procedures and the Department of Justice to adopt new guidelines.

NSF Directorate(s):
Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences

Locations
Iowa

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