Nationwide, misidentification of suspects has been an identified factor in numerous wrongful convictions. The database maintained by the Innocence Project has 375 convictions which have been overturned through DNA exoneration. 69% of those wrongful convictions involved misidentification of the suspects. The National Registry of Exonerations tracks DNA and Non-DNA exonerations. They have recorded 2,679 exonerations, of which 759 involved witness misidentification of suspects as a factor in the conviction.

This two-hour class focus on potential implementation of what is known as “the core four” recommendations regarding the eyewitness identification process. These procedures (the core four) have been endorsed by The Innocence Project, The National Academy of Sciences, The American Bar Association, The International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Department of Justice. These recommendations are commonly referred to as “the core four.”

The “Core Four” recommendations which will be addressed are:

1. Blind Administration. 
2. Lineup composition. 
3. Witness Instruction.
4. Confidence Statements.

This class will also review information regarding possible implementation of the following procedures which have been reported to have a relationship to the accuracy of photo lineup identification procedures.

1. Sequential presentation of photos in the lineup. 
2. Videotaping of all administrations of photo lineups.