From Legislation and Research to Practice: Intermediary Skills in Identification Procedures

IfJ CPD Courses

Course Facilitator(s)

Dr Natalie Butcher, Dr Kimberly Collins, Georgia Wright

Course Facilitator(s) Bio

Dr Natalie Butcher is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Teesside University. Natalie's research focuses on understanding the factors that impact our ability to recognise faces. Her research includes both theoretical and applied work in facial recognition, including recent work on eyewitness identification in both adults and children.  

Dr Kimberly Collins is a Chartered Psychologist, Registered Intermediary and Court-Appointed Intermediary. She previously worked as a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology for 14 years and still supervises and carries out research relating to the communication of vulnerable people in the justice system. Dr Collins is an IFJ trustee, a member of TIC, a collaborator with Triangle and is one of the lead facilitators on the working group developing an Intermediary Professional Body.

Georgia Wright is a third-year PhD student at Teesside University in the field of psychology. Her research is focused on developing evidence-based best practice for child witnesses during police lineups, with a particular focus on Registered Intermediary recommendations. Georgia’s research utilises a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.

Who is this course for?

1. Qualified Intermediaries who would like to understand more about the subject to enhance their work with vulnerable people. At any level of experience, from newly registered onwards. 2. Other criminal justice professionals.

Description

This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of police identification procedures, including key legislation such as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (Code D). It explores the basics of face recognition and how vulnerability factors, including age and neurodivergence, can affect identification evidence. Participants will also learn about current research and develop practical skills to assist effective communication during identification procedures.

Course Content:

  • Introduction to ID procedures.
  • Description and explanation of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (2023; Code D).
  • Basics of face recognition.
  • How face recognition differs according to vulnerability (age, neurodivergence).
  • Introduction to research relating to ID procedures with vulnerable people.
  • Current research and anecdotal data on intermediary work during ID procedures.
  • Practical skills and recommendations for intermediaries.

Course Aims/Objectives:

To equip intermediaries with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively assist communication during police identification procedures, in line with current legislation and research.

Course Method:

The workshop is run in the form of a small group training. The presenters will present information and will invite high levels of participation and sharing of knowledge and ideas.  Prepared slides / handouts guide the process rather than impart information.

The following materials are provided:

  • Glossary of terms
  • Power point presentations
  • Guidance for further reading-Bibliography

- Participants to log on 15 minutes prior to start of each session.

- It is required that all participants keep their cameras on throughout the workshop.

- Participants to complete online feedback form post workshop.