Final answer:
Forensic psychologists or criminal investigative analysts can help police officers discern who may be lying among witnesses with inconsistent accounts by evaluating the psychology of deception and the suggestibility of memory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Local police officers dealing with two witnesses providing inconsistent accounts of a crime may benefit from the assistance of a professional trained in forensic psychology or criminal investigative analysis. These professionals specialize in understanding human behavior and the psychology of deception, which can be crucial in determining the credibility of witnesses. Their expertise includes knowledge about suggestibility, the problem of misinformation causing the creation of false memories, and how these could influence eyewitness testimony.
Techniques based on social sciences, such as cognitive interviews, which aim to minimize suggestibility by using neutral language, can improve the accuracy of witness recollections. Additionally, these professionals are equipped to deal with scenarios like the prisoner's dilemma, where the outcomes of suspects' decisions are influenced by trust and knowledge of each other. They also analyze factors such as witnesses' history of lying, biases, consistency of testimony, and possible motives, which are all critical in determining the reliability of a witness.