New research sponsored by the National Science Foundation is now enabling understanding of the circumstances that lead to false identifications and helping to find ways to reduce these occurrences. This discovery surprised Wells and his team, who hoped a direct question would counteract police influences on an eyewitness' memory. They knew that confidence can be manipulated easily if witnesses receive information about a suspect after making an identification. Casual remarks made by police station personnel administering suspect lineups or photo spreads can bolster the confidence of an eyewitness and distort the witness' memory. Eyewitnesses began to change their answers to questions about how much attention they had paid to the suspect, and how good a view they had of the suspect's face.
Wells believe stronger steps are needed to inoculate eyewitness' memories.
The Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Institute in Greenbrae has been awarded the certificate of accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. The award to Drs. Diana and Francis Parnell is given in recognition that nationally recognized standards of quality health care have been met. The Institute is at the forefront of non-invasive treatment for skin irregularities. Such a wide gap between how patients and medical staff view the role of spiritual belief in treatment is all too common, noted Dr. David Larson, president of the National Institute for Healthcare Research.