In a lineup, how many suspects should be included?

In a lineup, how many suspects should be included?

• A. One suspect (can be compelled to participate)
• B. Six or more suspects
• C. Three or four suspects
• D. None; lineup unnecessary

Answer: (A)

Eyewitness identification procedures must balance speed, fairness, and reliability. In this item, the approach being tested is a one-on-one identification, often called a show-up, where the witness is presented with a single suspect rather than a larger group. Presenting just the suspect focuses the witness’s recognition on the person they remember, which can expedite the investigation when time is critical. Allowing the suspect to participate, and even requiring it if necessary, keeps the process moving and ensures that the identification can proceed without delay. Choosing a larger lineup with several people can introduce more opportunity for bias or confusion, especially if the witness is pressed to pick someone they remember under pressure. The option of having none or eliminating the lineup would remove an identification opportunity altogether, which isn’t appropriate when there is a need to confirm whether the eyewitness recognizes the person seen. In practice, show-ups are used judiciously because they’re more suggestive than a properly constructed lineup, but they’re valuable for rapid identification in the right context.

Eyewitness identification procedures must balance speed, fairness, and reliability. In this item, the approach being tested is a one-on-one identification, often called a show-up, where the witness is presented with a single suspect rather than a larger group. Presenting just the suspect focuses the witness’s recognition on the person they remember, which can expedite the investigation when time is critical. Allowing the suspect to participate, and even requiring it if necessary, keeps the process moving and ensures that the identification can proceed without delay.

Choosing a larger lineup with several people can introduce more opportunity for bias or confusion, especially if the witness is pressed to pick someone they remember under pressure. The option of having none or eliminating the lineup would remove an identification opportunity altogether, which isn’t appropriate when there is a need to confirm whether the eyewitness recognizes the person seen.

In practice, show-ups are used judiciously because they’re more suggestive than a properly constructed lineup, but they’re valuable for rapid identification in the right context.