Video system to replace ID parades

The PSNI, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Office, have announced details of a new system to replace traditional ‘ID parades’.

The system known as Video Identification Parade Electronic Recording (VIPER) will be part of a national database of volunteer images from which a video parade is compiled rather than using real people in a line up.

Announcing details of the new system Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland welcomed the introduction of the video technology, which can provide the PSNI with the ability to arrange identification parades within hours of a suspect’s arrest.

ACC McCausland said: “Visual identification is the key to any investigation and research has indicated that the use of such technology increases the percentage of positive identifications taking place”.

He continued: “Because video parades can be produced quickly a victim or witness can view the parade on a lap-top computer in a location convenient to them, while the image is still fresh in their minds. This new equipment will be invaluable in numerous cases where witnesses have been classed as vulnerable. The VIPER process is often less stressful for witnesses to view a parade than by a traditional ‘live’ parade”.

The VIPER scheme is used by 33 other police forces across the UK and based on their experiences the number of identification parades has increased each year. In addition the fast identification of suspects has been shown to increase conviction rates and to help reduce crime and the fear of crime.

New legislation, which also comes into effect today, amends the Codes of Practice for both PACE and the Terrorism Act, giving video identification primacy over all means of identification.

Consultation with the legal profession has taken place and the VIPER System will be used across Northern Ireland from May 12.

The new VIPER suites have been installed at six custody suites located across Northern Ireland at Musgrave Street in South Belfast, Antrim, Omagh, Strand Road in Londonderry, Coleraine and Lisburn. A seventh VIPER Suite will be located in Newry later this year.

(SP/GB)