Multiple Suspect Showing: A Survey of Police Identification Officers

The number of multiple perpetrator crimes being committed is increasing both in the UK and around the world. In response to this, the number of multiple perpetrator identifications parades ('multiple suspect showings') conducted by the police in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are increasing. However, at present in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Police and Criminal EvidenceAct, Codes of Practice (2011) provides little guidance for the procedures of 'multiple suspect showings'. This research involved a questionnaire sent to the identification unit of each police force across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. With 29 responses, it is clear to see the variants across forces with regards to procedure and instructions given. The affects of these deviations from the guidelines for eyewitness identification performance are discussed. Suggestions for improvements to the current procedures are also examined.