Examining the use of 911 Call Analysis as evidence in criminal proceedings
The widespread use of 911 call analysis as evidence by law enforcement and in criminal proceedings has raised significant concerns about its scientific validity and its impact on the criminal justice system. Despite lacking robust empirical support, techniques such as the 911 COPS Scale© are routinely used to assess the credibility and even guilt of 911 callers, often reinforcing investigative confirmation bias and diverting attention from more reliable evidence. The application of 911 call analysis has contributed to wrongful convictions and continues to influence criminal investigations and court proceedings, posing an ongoing risk to impartial legal outcomes and public safety. This memo outlines the history of 911 call analysis in law enforcement, discusses its key features, details its methodological shortcomings, and offers policy recommendations to restrict its use and prevent future miscarriages of justice.
