-
Essay / Eyewitness Discrimination Essay - 1138
There are several areas where reforms can help prevent wrongful convictions of innocent people in the future. Most law enforcement still uses the same methods they have used for the past two decades. Research has shown that the risk of eyewitness identification is significantly reduced if the officer doing the lineup does not know the suspect. Additionally, when the victim views the suspect's photos, they should be informed that the suspect may not be in the photos, nor in the lineup, in order for the investigation to continue. Another way to take a step forward in reform is to record interrogations. Recording interrogations can prevent police from pressuring suspects into confessions. Interrogations should also be limited to one hour, especially for adolescents, because false confessions are often made while interrogations last hours. In the United Kingdom, Poland and Canada, police are not allowed to coerce suspects or lie to get them to confess. This law should also apply here in the United States, even if the Supreme Court rules that lying does not violate constitutional rights. All laboratories must have their examiners certified, which will allow DNA testing to be carried out.