R v Turnbull • Identification

ADVOKATE police meaning

Assessing eyewitness identification evidence (Turnbull factors). A straightforward operational memory aid for ADVOKATE.

Short answer

Checklist for testing the reliability of a witness's identification of a suspect, used when recording first accounts and descriptions; derives from R v Turnbull [1977] and PACE Code D.

ADVOKATE
Assessing eyewitness identification evidence (Turnbull factors)
AAmount of time under observation
DDistance from the person(s)
VVisibility
OObstructed view
KKnown or seen before
AAny reason to remember
TTime elapsed since the incident
EErrors or material discrepancies

When officers use it

Checklist for testing the reliability of a witness's identification of a suspect, used when recording first accounts and descriptions; derives from R v Turnbull [1977] and PACE Code D.

Practical point: use the mnemonic alongside current training, procedures and the live facts.

Why Section includes this

Section is a fast UK police reference app for officers and student officers: offences, points to prove, PACE powers and operational mnemonics in one offline place.

What does ADVOKATE stand for?

A = Amount of time under observation, D = Distance from the person(s), V = Visibility, O = Obstructed view, K = Known or seen before, A = Any reason to remember, T = Time elapsed since the incident, E = Errors or material discrepancies.

5WH — 5WH formula — core investigation questions GOLDEN HOUR — Effective early investigative action PEACE — Investigative interviewing framework

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