The procedure for police lineups may change if bill is passed.
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The procedure for police lineups may change if bill is passed.

Date: February 9, 2016
By: Devon Yarbrough
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 842

Intro: 
A bill to modify police lineup procedures is heard in Missouri Senate Judiciary Committee.
RunTime: 0:30
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The measure would impose stronger procedures and requirements for eyewitnesses in lineup identification.

The bill's sponsor is St. Louis City Democrat Senator Joseph Keaveny:

Actuality:  DSY1.WAV
Run Time: 00:11
Description: That's why it's important that we have firm footing, firm procedures, uniform procedures, and just to tie down all the dots

But opponents like St. Louis County prosecutor said the requirements in the bill are impractical.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Devon Yarbrough.

Intro: 
St. Louis County's prosecutor came before a legislative committee to voice opposition to a proposal to toughen requirements for police lineups.
RunTime: 0:32
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The measure would impose a number requirements involving police lineups.

One would require the person conducting the lineup not know the actual suspect.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch charged the bill amounted to micromanaging.

Actuality:  McCulloch.WAV
Run Time: 00:09
Description: The issues right now still are the process that is delineated in the bill itself. It does micromanage the proccess.

On the other side, supporters of the bill cited times when witnesses have identified the wrong person.

Reporting from the State Capital, I'm Devon Yarbrough.

 

 

Intro: 
Police would face tougher restrictions with lineups under a measure presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday.
RunTime: 0:36
OutCue: SOC

Wrap: The measure contains a detailed list of requirements before police could present an eyewitness of suspects or those who look like the suspect.

Midwest Innocent Project Staff Attorney Rachel Wester aid that misidentification was a problem with police lineups.

Actuality:  Wester.WAV
Run Time: 00:09
Description: Misidentifications that come from inadequate or improper procedures hurt everyone. They hurt innocent defendants. They hurt victims.

But St. Louis County's prosecuting attorney said the bill would micromanage the work of police.

The committee did not take immediate action on the measure.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Devon Yarbrough.