Eyewitness identification in actual criminal cases: An archival analysis

This study analyzed 271 actual police cases in order to address several pre valent issues in the eyewitness literature. Suspect identification (SI) rat es were obtained for 289 photographic lineups, 258 field showups, 58 live l ineups, and 66 lineup identifications preceded by earlier identifications. SI rates were assessed for 3 levels of extrinsic evidence: no extrinsic evi dence, evidence of minimal probative value, and evidence of substantial pro bative value. The SI rates for the photographic lineups were assessed as a function of delay, same vs. cross-race conditions, witness type, and weapon presence. SI rates declined significantly over time; SI rates were signifi cantly greater for the same-race condition. Sl rates were much greater for field showups than photographic lineups, 76% vs. 48%. The SI rates for the field showups did not vary as a function of eyewitness conditions. The rela tion between confidence and suspect/foil identifications for the live lineu ps was significant and moderately high. The utility of archival identificat ion studies for eyewitness testimony research is discussed.