I firmly believe that the most effective manner to maximize the reliability of eyewitness evidence presented at trial is by ensuring that use of best practices for collecting this evidence during a criminal investigation. To that end, I have worked with local law enforcement agencies and state organizations to develop policies that include evidence-based procedures for the collection of eyewitness evidence.

Policy Development

Much of my work in this area has come about through my membership on the Washington State Eyewitness Policy Committee. The WSEPC consisted of representatives from the law enforcement, prosecution, defense, innocence network, and social science communities in Washington State who developed minimum standards for the collection of eyewitness evidence across the state. This work resulted in adoption of model policies by the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. Copies of these policies can be downloaded here and here.

These efforts by the WSEPC resulted in the passing of SB 5714 (2019) which required the formation of the Washington Legislature Work Group on Eyewitness Evidence (WLWGEE). As co-chair of this work group, I assisted with the development of statewide model guidelines, standard operating procedures, and training programs for the collection of eyewitness evidence in Washington State. A copy of the WLWGEE’s final report is available here.

I am continuing our work in this area to develop training and practices that can maximize the implementation of these minimum standards. Please contact me if you would like more information regarding the work of the WSEPC/WLWGEE or if you would like to discuss how I may assist with evaluating your agency's policy and procedures to maximize the quality of the eyewitness evidence you are collecting in the course of criminal investigations.