Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
604 Delano PD Policy Manual
Eyewitness Identification
604.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy sets forth guidelines to be used when members of this department employ eyewitness
identification techniques (Penal Code § 859.7).
604.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to the policy include:
Eyewitness identification process - Any field identification, live lineup or photographic
identification.
Field identification - A live presentation of a single individual to a witness following the
commission of a criminal offense for the purpose of identifying or eliminating the person as the
suspect.
Live lineup - A live presentation of individuals to a witness for the purpose of identifying or
eliminating an individual as the suspect.
Photographic lineup - Presentation of photographs to a witness for the purpose of identifying or
eliminating an individual as the suspect.
604.2 POLICY
The Delano Police Department will strive to use eyewitness identification techniques, when
appropriate, to enhance the investigative process and will emphasize identifying persons
responsible for crime and exonerating the innocent.
604.3 INTERPRETIVE SERVICES
Members should make a reasonable effort to arrange for an interpreter before proceeding with
eyewitness identification if communication with a witness is impeded due to language or hearing
barriers.
Before the interpreter is permitted to discuss any matter with the witness, the investigating member
should explain the identification process to the interpreter. Once it is determined that the interpreter
comprehends the process and can explain it to the witness, the eyewitness identification may
proceed as provided for within this policy.
604.4 EYEWITNESS IDENTIFICATION PROCESS AND FORM
The Investigative Bureau supervisor shall be responsible for the development and maintenance
of an eyewitness identification process for use by members when they are conducting eyewitness
identifications.
The process should include appropriate forms or reports that provide (Penal Code § 859.7):
(a) The date, time and location of the eyewitness identification procedure.
(b) The name and identifying information of the witness.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/06, All Rights Reserved. Eyewitness Identification - 1
Published with permission by Delano Police Department