Identifying Suspects

Question 1

What are the 4 methods of identification?

Answer 1

• Formal visual identification
• Voice identification
• Finger palm and foot prints
• Forensic examination

Question 2

What are the 6 good reasons for not following a formal identification proceedure?

Answer 2

• The suspect refuses to take part in the process and police do not hold a photograph or video of the suspects true likeness.
• Suspect has singular appearence
• Suspect has substantially changed their appearance after the offence and before a a formal procedure could be held.
• No officer involved in the investigation could have reasonably anticipated that identification would be an issue at trial.
• An identification of the suspect was made soon after the offence and in the course of the initial investigation.
• An identification of the suspect was made to a n officer after a chance meeting between the person who made the identification and the suspect.

Question 3

List 5 examples of samples used for forensic examination.

Answer 3

• Blood
• Hair, Skin, Body Tissue and Fluids
• Nail Scrapings
• Saliva
• Sweat

Question 4

What rules are applicable to identification using Photo Montage?

Answer 4

• Must be suspect and no fewer than 7 others.
• All photographs must be devoid of names
• No assistance to be given witness and witnesses are not to confer
• Once a suspect has been identified by one witness, you must decide if you require other witnesses to make formal id.

Question 5

Explain the requirements for conducting formal identification proceedures?

Answer 5

There are 7 requirements of a formal identification procedure.

• It occurs ASAP after the offence is reported.
• The suspect is compared to no fewer than 7 others.
• No indication is made to the person making the id about who among the people is the suspect.
• The person making the identification is informed that the suspect may or may not be among the people in the proceedure.
• A written record of the procedure followed is sworn to be true and complete by the officer and is provided in court to the judge and defendant.
• A pictorial record of what the ‘witness’ looked at is prepared and certified to be true and complete and is provided in court to the judge and defendant.
• The procedure complies with any relevant requlations.