Dated: 9 December 2020
POLICY TITLE: Identification of Offenders by Witnesses
OWNING DIRECTORATE: Criminal Justice and Communications
AUTHOR: Force Custody Manager
CONTACT DETAILS: 101
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT: Complete
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AIM OF POLICY: To ensure that Northumbria Police provide the highest standard of witness care, whilst providing an effective means of the identification of those responsible for crime.
BENEFIT OF POLICY: To protect witnesses and effectively identify offenders.
REASON FOR POLICY: Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights in contributing to a fair trial, in accordance with Code D of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, 1984.
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Northumbria Police will conduct identification procedures with a high standard of witness care, which meet the requirements of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights in contributing to a fair trial, in accordance with Code D of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, 1984 (as amended on 1 January 2006) and which meet the rigorous demands of the Criminal Justice System.
There are four types of identification - video identification, identification parades, group identification and confrontation.
The suspect will initially be offered a video identification as this can be compiled and arranged sooner than an identification parade.
Arrangements for and the conduct of the above four identification types will be the responsibility of an officer not below the rank of Inspector (the Identification Officer); they should not be involved in the investigation. Unless otherwise specified, the identification officer may allow another officer or member of police staff to make arrangements for, and to conduct any of the identification procedures specified in Code D of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, 1984 Codes of Practice (as amended on 1 January 2006 - paragraphs 2.21 and 3.11 refer).
The Identification Officer will retain overall responsibility for the conduct of the procedures and must be able to supervise effectively and either intervene or be contacted for advice.
Officers and designated persons must be trained in the role and will be authorised by the Chief Constable to undertake the role.
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SOURCE DOCUMENT: N/a
GROUPS AFFECTED: All Staff
ACCESS AND DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS: None
