The description and identification process

Question 1

what 3 things do you need to more accurately perceive an event?

Answer 1

to be:

• physically present
• conscious
• attentive to the event

Question 2

what FACTORS will influence a person’s ability to properly perceive an event?

Answer 2

• bright colors
• exotic or unusual vehicles
• usual attire
• tattoos
• moving objects
• objects out of place or out of the ordinary

Question 3

what are examples of ambient conditions?

Answer 3

• weather (rain, snow, fog)
• illumination (diff types of lighting)
• background noises/events (sirens, screams, gunfire)

Question 4

physical stress

Answer 4

• heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate.

- physical stress does not influence the rational mind as much as psychological stress

Question 5

psychological stress

Answer 5

• public speaking, testifying in court

Question 6

acute stress

Answer 6

• victim of robbery, kidnapping, auto accident

Question 7

physical factors that can affect the development of an individuals perception:

Answer 7

• age
• vision
• hearing
• smell
• taste
• point of view
• illusions

Question 8

perceptual narrowing

Answer 8

• tunnel vision

- can be a physical factor as well as psychological factor

Question 9

is hearing reliable?

Answer 9

• no. Vision is more reliable.

Question 10

Stressful and dangerous situations cause people to…

Answer 10

• overestimate duration and distance

Question 11

vantage point

Answer 11

• the angle at which one views an event.

Question 12

behavioral contagion

Answer 12

• may take place in an acute stress environment
• emotions, attitudes behavior patterns that spread to others in the crowd
• MONKEY SEE MONKEY DO!

Question 13

why do you separate witnesses?

Answer 13

• to avoid issues such as group pressure

Question 14

what are the requirements of a photo lineup?

Answer 14

• all photos same size and type
• similar clothing
• minimum of 6 people
• similar characteristics
• thoroughly document any identification or non identification

Question 15

neighborhood canvass

Answer 15

• this will allow LEO to find more witnesses or victims

- can lead to more corroboration of eyewitnesses

Question 16

interview techniques that help LEO’s in the identification process:

Answer 16

• witness/victim interview
• in-field identification (aka show up)
• physical lineup
• photographic lineups

Question 17

whats the best way to find an eye witness

Answer 17

• canvass the neighborhood

Question 18

whats the best way to recreate the environment in which the crime occurred?

Answer 18

• a show up

Question 19

how should a physical lineup be conducted?

Answer 19

• in a manner that is not overly suggestive

- think “consistency” in preparing a physical lineup

Question 20

what are 3 major components that affect the development of perception?

Answer 20

• observer
• events being observed
• ambient conditions

Question 21

physical stress does not influence the rational mind as much as _____?

Answer 21

• psychological stress

Question 22

what happens during the biometrics step?

Answer 22

• the measurement and analysis of unique physical and behavioral characteristics.
• biometrics gives us a scientific method of human identification

Question 23

what goes on during the documentation step?

Answer 23

• one of the most important steps is the process of description and identification.
• document every phase accurately

Question 24

what are the psychological factors that can affect perception?

Answer 24

• group pressure
• perceptual narrowing
• intense feelings
• first impressions
• previous experiences
• projection
• stereotyping
• personal interest
• cultural background
• social role