Virtual cops better at getting witness statements than the real thing

Eyewitness accounts may be far more reliable when conducted by a virtual police officer, rather than the real thing. Witnesses of a mock car theft provided as much as 60 percent more information when interviewed in an avatar-to-avatar context compared to face-to-face interviews. Giving testimony to the police can be stressful and intimidating. Previous studies have shown that multiple factors - including an unfamiliar setting, the police officer, or the desire to'perform well' - can decrease the accuracy of a witness' testimony. 'Witnesses can become distracted from the task of remembering during an interview because they are attending to the social behavior of the interviewer, such as facial expressions.