NCJ Number
133895
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the factors that can lead to eyewitness misidentification of a suspect, this police training document outlines the police procedures necessary to reduce the likelihood of eyewitness misidentifications in showups, lineups, and photo identifications.
Abstract
In a showup, witnesses are presented only one suspect for identification. In a lineup, a number of persons are presented to witnesses simultaneously. Photo identification procedures may involve the showing of one or several photographs to a witness. The document discourages the use of showups except under exigent circumstances, such as shortly after commission of the offense when the suspect was found in reasonable proximity to the crime scene. The discussion of the lineup notes that preparation for it is as important as the conduct of the lineup. Some guidelines for the lineup are that it consist of at least five or six persons with similar physical characteristics and that only one witness at a time view the lineup. Guidance for the avoidance of suggestive statements by attending officers is also provided. Guidelines for photo identifications include the showing of at least six photographs, which should be similar in size, composition, and type of photo. The photo array should not include more than one photo of the same suspect. The document concludes with a discussion of parameters that govern the right to counsel for suspects involved in eyewitness identifications. 14 notes