Eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest cause of wrongful conviction, afflicting 72% of wrongful convictions proven by DNA testing. Simple enhancements to traditional line-up procedures, however, promise to ensure the detection of dangerous criminals and prevent wrongful conviction of the innocent. These enhancements have been adopted in states across the nation.

In the interest of public safety, we urge you to endorse a statewide model policy encouraging California law enforcement agencies to adopt the eyewitness identification procedures recommended by the California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice that are scientifically-supported, evidence-based “best practices.” These modified protocols will increase the accuracy and reliability of identifications, which will serve all members of the criminal justice community while assuring that public safety is enhanced.