Hi-tech identity parades extended

The system means line-ups can be viewed anywhere

Victims of crime could soon be able to identify suspects without leaving home after a successful hi-tech trial.

The virtual identity parade was piloted in Edinburgh and is now being made available across Scotland.

Taking part in a police identity parade has usually involved a trip to the local station.

Now, using a computer lap top, the new virtual line-up can take place anywhere. Victims and witnesses pick out faces from a screen.

The Video Identification Parade Electronic Recording (Viper) system may also save police time as officers should not need to approach the public to take part in line-ups.

The old-style identification parades could be distressing for victims and witnesses Det Insp Andrew Wayth Lothian and Borders Police

So far, in the Lothian and Borders trial, 51 accused have been identified for more than 100 crimes from 30 virtual parades, with seven convictions secured.

A national database of images from volunteers is used to compile a video line-up, rather than using real people in the traditional live line-up.

It has also been successful with children and young people who are comfortable with computers and feel more relaxed with the process in a familiar environment, such as their own home.

Detective Inspector Andrew Wayth, one of the Viper trained officers, said it was a very witness-friendly system.

He said: "The old-style identification parades could be distressing for victims and witnesses and difficult to arrange at short notice.

"One of the benefits of the system is that we can take the identification parade out of the police station. For example, it has been taken to village halls, hospitals and victim's homes."