Posso identificare il sospettato.

I can identify the suspect.

Pronunciation

sos-pet-TAH-toh — five syllables; stress on the fourth.

When to use it

Use when you have a clear memory of the suspect and are willing to participate in an identification procedure.

What it means

In Italy, witness identification can take the form of a confronto all'americana (police line-up) or a ricognizione fotografica (photo identification), both conducted under strict procedural rules.

Variations

Lo/la riconoscerei se lo/la vedessi di nuovo.

I would recognise him/her if I saw him/her again.

Conditional — offers to help without making a definitive claim.

Ho visto bene la sua faccia.

I got a clear look at his/her face.

Establishes the reliability of your identification.

Posso descrivere i segni particolari.

I can describe distinctive features.

Tattoos, scars, and birthmarks are particularly useful for police.

Mini Dialogue

— Posso identificare il sospettato. L'ho guardato in faccia per almeno dieci secondi. — È disponibile per una ricognizione fotografica? — Sì, quando vuole. — La contatteremo domani per fissare un appuntamento in questura.

— I can identify the suspect. I looked at his face for at least ten seconds. — Are you available for a photo identification? — Yes, whenever you need. — We'll contact you tomorrow to set an appointment at the station.

Cultural Note

Italian procedural law requires that photo line-ups include at least eight photographs and that the witness is informed they are not obligated to identify anyone.

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