The Police Service of Northern Ireland is taking a modern approach to the identity parade.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using a modern video based identification technology to aid the identification of criminals. The system is being used across the United Kingdom.
Identity parades have long played a crucial role in the arrest and conviction of criminals. However, the new system replaces physical line ups with a secure database containing thousands of images from volunteer participants. This allows police to compile an identity parade that includes a suspect without requiring people to stand in a physical line‑up. Witnesses can now view the parade on a laptop or computer.
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland says the technology is more victim focused. Victims no longer need to come face to face with the individuals they are identifying. The system is also expected to speed up the process for suspects, making the procedure more efficient overall.
Senior Garda officers have been invited to Northern Ireland to see the digital identity parade system in operation.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 13 May 2006. The reporter is Brendan Wright.
