For this assignment you will submit an introduction for a case analysis. In the paper, discuss the case scenario listed below. Also include an outline of the key facts of the case, and discuss the issues that a forensic psychologist would address in the chosen scenario. Discuss the needs of the client, the defense team, and the court.
Can You Point Out the Person You Saw in the Park? (Eye Witness Memory and Recovered Memory)
In September 2011, an 11-year-old girl vacationing with her family at a large amusement park is reported missing. Due to confusion between the parents, with each parent thinking that the other parent was with the girl, the child was missing for approximately 45 minutes before authorities were notified. Once notified, park officials placed security at all park exits. Security watched for the girl as well as questioned patrons leaving the park regarding any unusual behavior they may have witnessed. Nearly 20 patrons reported seeing a young girl who fit the child’s description with a man leaving the park. These individuals are asked for contact information. As the day ends and the park closes, the girl is still missing. Park officials conduct a thorough search of the park and find the girl’s body in a dumpster in a remote section of the park near a service entrance. It appears that the girl was sexually assaulted.
Police contact patrons who offered earlier information in hopes of developing a composite sketch of the suspect. Of the 20 patrons who were contacted, only three were able to accurately identify the girl in a photo array with a photograph supplied by the parents. Eight of the patrons reported that the suspect appeared to be a Latino male, whereas four suggested the suspect was African American. The police artist, using computer software, generates a sketch. Fifteen of the patrons agree that the sketch resembles the man they saw. The police publicize the sketch on the evening news, asking for any information. Within the following three weeks, they receive approximately 200 leads. Only five of the leads result in individuals who were at the park on the day of the crime, based on surveillance videos from the entrance and exit of the park.
The detective in charge of the case recognizes that the only evidence the police have is eyewitness evidence, because there were issues with DNA collection and other physical evidence being obtained. The detective also realizes that the eyewitnesses presented conflicting information. She decides that in order to obtain a conviction of the guilty individual, she will need to meticulously handle any eyewitness accounts placing any of the five subjects with the girl on the day of the disappearance.
The detective contacts you and asks for your consultation on the case and for your suggestions as to how to obtain the most accurate and convincing eyewitness identification.
Framing Questions
1. What procedures would you implement in this situation?
2. Discuss how the eyewitness identification should be conducted, including format, number and appearance of foils or opportunities for error, feedback,
individuals present, and interaction among witnesses.
3. How would you prepare for testifying in court if you are called by the prosecution and/or the defense?
4. How does race come into play here? Is there something to be said about how some eyewitnesses immediately suggested that the suspect was Latino,
while others believed he was African American?
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