The Risks to an Innocent Suspect Having a Tattoo Similar to the Real Perpetrator of the Crime.
Citation
(2017) The Risks to an Innocent Suspect Having a Tattoo Similar to the Real Perpetrator of the Crime., no. 61.
Abstract
This study addressed the knowledge gap surrounding the extent of innocent suspect identifications if an individual stands out in a lineup with a tattoo either the same/different in location/appearance to the actual perpetrator. Participants (n = 122) watched a short video, described the target, completed a filler task and made a decision on a target-absent or target-present simultaneous lineup, followed by confidence ratings. Identification decisions and confidence ratings were also required for tattoo-only lineups. Few participants described a tattoo (n = 40). The data was combined with prior research (N=250) and low innocent suspect identifications were found overall (n = 31). Results suggested neither location nor appearance influenced decisions but confidence may have been affected. The results imply that when eyewitnesses have a quick look at a perpetrator with a tattoo, an innocent suspect with a tattoo in a lineup is not at a great risk of being erroneously identified.