Ethan Ray
CCJS 234
Project Three Photo Spread Analysis
28 June 2015

Subject: Dennis arrested for stealing.
Memorandum:
A young woman named Vicky was at the mall where she had her purse stolen from her by a white male. The only description that Vicky can give to the police is that the assailant was a white male, “approximately 25 to 35 years old, tall, perhaps close to six feet, somewhat stocky. She recalls him as having dark blond hair and does not recollect facial hair.” (UMUC, 2015) William, a 6'4" male, witnesses the incident; he saw the man walk rapidly toward Vicky and grab her purse. He had a good view of the assailant the entire time. He describes the assailant as, “a white male, approximately 30 to 35 years …show more content…

The only specific fact from the scenario that would prevent the witness from making a positive ID on the suspect would be that she was unable to see his entire face. This could be a serious issue when trying to identify the suspect. Since the shots will be a direct face shot of the suspect. If the suspects are all similar looking, as the requirements say they will be, then the witness might have a difficult time making out his face. When looking at the scenario there are a few inconsistencies with the description of the assailant described by the two witnesses. Vicky stated that the suspect was a “white male, approximately 25 to 35 years old, tall, perhaps close to six feet, somewhat stocky. She recalls him as having dark blond hair and does not recollect facial hair.” (UMUC, 2015) William describes the assailant as “a white male, approximately 30 to 35 years old, with brown hair; and describes him as short—perhaps under 5'10". William does not recall facial hair.” (UMUC, 2015) The two differences in comparison could present problems with the prosecution during the trial. The only comparison that was the same was a white male that was probably in his 30’s. The possible explanations would be that the witnesses were under a lot of stress during the time of the theft, and that they can only remember what their mind will let them. If they could both positively identify the suspect in a photo spread, then the previous descriptions would not really matter during