HL Deb 15 February 1995 vol 561 cc38-9WA
The Earl of Kimberley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, when the police arrange a parade for the purpose of identifying a suspected criminal, those paraded are viewed not only from the front, but from the rear.

Baroness Blatch

Identification parades are conducted in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Identification of Persons by Police Officers (Code D) issued under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

Annex A to Code D provides that if a witness wishes to hear any parade member speak, adopt any specified posture or see him move, the identification officer shall first ask whether he can identify any persons on the parade on the basis of appearance only. Members of the parade may then be asked to comply with the witness's request to hear them speak, to see them move or to adopt any specified posture, which would include turning about face.