Witnesses too often disagree - Few at a crime scene pay attention to details

Newark Star Ledger ^ | October 17, 2002 | BRIAN T. MURRAY AND JOHN P. MARTIN

[Incorrigible]

During Riley's presentation, another agent will dash into the room, pretend to rob him of his wallet, and flee. Riley then asks the students to recall something about the suspect. Sometimes they can't even agree on whether the robber was white or black.

[Incorrigible]

A long known problem.

[twigs]

But they may also pay attention to different details. I was robbed at gunpoint 20 years ago. I just watched the perps eyes and that's all I remembered, but it was enough to pick him up off the street later that evening. The detective let him go b/c I couldn't remember his clothing, but I later learned that the clothing of the man I ID'd had been described perfectly by another witness who saw him running away. Letting this man go was an utter travesty.

[porte des morts]

My comments are not a swipe at you comment. Rather my opinion that we will be seeing this excuse on an increaseing rate in the coming days.

A long known problem.

Yes, and it is being trotted out now to explain why after a dozen or so sightings the FBI (or whoever)refuse to release even a decent description of these guys.

A long known problem. Never stopped LE from showing composites before. Even ones that turned out to be off the mark.

A long known problem.

And yet one witness can describe the gun, and that is okay, but this same guy can't be trusted to sit down and come up with a composite of the shooter?

A long known problem. And yet the feds had a picture out of John Doe #2 (OKC Bombing) in less than a day(IIRC.)

[Axenolith]

I've been told by long time police that shoes are most often the charachteristic that witnesses agree upon and get right.

[ffrancone]

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[philman_36]

A long known problem.
...that is easily fixable by giving a few key things to look for. A little info goes a long way.
I've seen the "identify the perp" scenario myself and a little "learning" helps eradicate the problem. So few ever actually see a criminal act that "the details" are never taught.
A few things everyone can do...Identify A Crime Suspect
During a crime, observe as many details as you possibly can. Look for distinguishing characteristics on the suspect.
Some characteristics that might help the police to identify a suspect:
Height
Weight
Age
Hair color and style
Eye color and eyeglasses
Sex
Skin color and race
Complexion
Voice, regional accent and speech patterns
Scars, marks, moles and tattoos
Clothing
Jewelry
Weapon
Vehicle make, model and color
License number
Direction of escape

These, and a few other things, can not only help others they may help you.

[philman_36]

...and a few other things...
For instance, which hand did the perp hold the weapon in, if they had one.