Bill > S785

This bill establishes new procedures for law enforcement to improve the accuracy of eyewitness identifications, aiming to reduce wrongful convictions. It defines key terms like "filler" (a non-suspect in a lineup), "leading question" (a question that suggests an answer), and various types of "lineups" (live, photo, and sequential). The bill mandates specific protocols for gathering information at crime scenes, questioning witnesses separately to avoid contamination of their memories, and carefully constructing photo arrays and live lineups. It requires officers to avoid suggestive questioning, document all identification procedures thoroughly, and inform witnesses that the perpetrator may or may not be present. Furthermore, the bill outlines how composite images should be developed and how investigators should interview witnesses, emphasizing the importance of recording statements and assessing their accuracy. Finally, it specifies remedies for noncompliance, allowing courts to consider failures to follow these procedures when deciding on motions to suppress identifications or when instructing juries on the reliability of eyewitness testimony.