North Texas Police Force Undergoes Photo Lineup Study
Save Email Print
North Texas Police Force Undergoes Photo Lineup Study
One North Texas police department is participating in a study to find the best way to keep witnesses from picking the wrong suspects in photo lineups.
Font Size:

(January 02, 2009)—It’s an issue that continues to plague the judicial system: innocent citizens are convicted of a crime based on faulty eyewitness testimony.

Several cases in Dallas have recently been overturned with DNA testing where the wrong suspect was picked in a photo lineup.

The Dallas Police Department will now study its witness I.D. methods in an effort prevent false convictions.

Usually a detective shows a witness at least six pictures of possible suspects at one time.

Critics however argue the detective's physical and verbal cues can unintentionally taint results.

As part of the study, Dallas police will use "sequential blind lineups" in which someone who doesn't know who the suspect is shows the photos one at a time.

Experts say the wrong person is less likely to be chosen that way.

Witnesses will not be able to compare one person to another and pick someone who resembles the criminal.

The Urban Institute, based in Washington D.C., is overseeing the Dallas study which is to begin early this year.


Video
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Emergency Room Nurse - Join Metroplex Health System in Killeen as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. Metroplex offers a very competitive hourly wage, comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans. A new pay scale went in to effect in October 09! Join Metroplex in extending the healing ministry of Christ.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com:
View More Jobs.
AP Video