Topic > Eyewitness Discrimination Essay - 1138

There are several areas where reforms can help prevent wrongful convictions of innocent people in the future. Most law enforcement agencies still use the same methods they have used for the past twenty years. Research has shown that in eyewitness identification the risk is significantly reduced if the officer carrying out the training is unaware of the suspect. Additionally, when the victim looks at the suspect's photos they should be informed that their suspect may not be in the photos, or on the list so that the investigation continues. Another way we can take a step forward in reform is to record interrogations. Recording interrogations can prevent police from pressuring suspects to obtain a confession. Interrogations should also be limited to one hour, especially for adolescents, because false confessions are often made when interrogations last hours. Police in the UK, Poland and Canada are not allowed to force suspects or lie to get them to confess. This law should also apply here in the United States, even if the Supreme Court says that lying does not violate constitutional rights. All laboratories should have their own certified examiners, which will involve carrying out DNA testing