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Positive Identification for Dummies

noun

What does Positive Identification really mean?

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Positive Identification is a term we use to describe a way to determine or confirm the true identity of someone or something. It's like when you see a friend at the park and you're not quite sure if it's really them because they're wearing a different hat and sunglasses. You might say, "Hey, is that you, Sarah?" But sometimes, that's not enough to be completely sure. So, to make a positive identification, you'd do something extra, like ask them about a special handshake that only you and Sarah know. If they do the handshake perfectly, then you can say with certainty that it is indeed Sarah.

In more official terms, positive identification is used by professionals like police officers, doctors, and scientists to be absolutely certain about the identity of a person or object. This is important because sometimes we need to know the exact identity to make important decisions or to solve a problem.

For example, imagine if you lost your favorite toy at school and someone else found it. They might bring it to the teacher and say, "I found this toy, but I'm not sure who it belongs to." To make a positive identification and ensure that the toy is returned to you, the teacher might ask you to describe the toy in detail, like its color, shape, and any unique features it has. This way, if your description matches exactly, the teacher can be confident that the toy belongs to you.

Similarly, when police officers are trying to solve a crime and need to identify a suspect, they use positive identification techniques. They might ask witnesses to describe the suspect's appearance, clothing, or any distinct characteristics they noticed. This helps the police narrow down the possibilities and find the right person.

In summary, positive identification refers to the process of confirming or determining the true identity of someone or something. It involves gathering enough evidence or information to be completely certain about who or what we are dealing with. So, just like finding your lost toy or recognizing your friend at the park, positive identification helps us avoid mistakes and make sure we have the right answer.


Revised and Fact checked by Elizabeth Martin on 2023-10-28 15:17:16

Positive Identification In a sentece

Learn how to use Positive Identification inside a sentece

  • When a police officer matches the person's fingerprints found at the crime scene to the fingerprints of a suspect, it provides a positive identification that the suspect was present at the crime scene.
  • To ensure the security of an online account, a website may require positive identification by asking for a unique username and password that only the account owner knows.
  • In a hospital, doctors may request positive identification by checking the patient's identification bracelet before administering medication to ensure it is given to the correct person.
  • At airports, security personnel use positive identification by comparing the traveler's passport photo and physical appearance to verify their identity before allowing them to board a flight.
  • During a school exam, students may be asked to write their name and student identification number on their answer sheets for positive identification purposes.