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Crime Lineups Paper

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Historically, eyewitness accounts of a crime were a vital piece of evidence used in the prosecution of criminal offenses. Lineups were a method used where typically a group of individuals not involved in the crime along with the suspect whom is believed to be directly related to the crime are grouped together for the witness to review in the hopes to identify the suspect. This is accomplished in two ways, the first is simultaneous where several photos are grouped together at the same time (typically six) for the witness to review. This specific procedure raises the issue of certainty from the witness. The issue occurs as the witness has reviewed the array of photos narrowing each down to the one that appears to be the most likely suspect. …show more content…

This specific procedure necessitates the witness to view each photo separately from the rest so not to pick the suspect due to his/her close similarity. When reviewing photos sequentially, one will be more likely to compare the photo to their memory rather than to the others grouped together. Lineups continue to be called to question from the defense in that there is always the possibility the results may produce a false identification of a suspect. This is commonly due to the officer inadvertently providing verbal or no-verbal clues as the witness reviews the lineup. In addition, lineups are to be construct so those displayed have similarities such a facial hair, eye glass, or skin tone. One photo cannot stand out in comparison of the others. For example, should the description provided by the witness include a mustache, then the other person within the lineup should all have similar mustaches. Guidance, provided by the officer, is an additional requirement when presenting a lineup to a witness. PRIOR to the officer presenting the lineup, he or she should provide instructions to the witness as to the common practice when attempting to identify a …show more content…

This specific procedure raises the issue of certainty from the witness. The issue occurs as the witness has reviewed the array of photos narrowing each down to the one that appears to be the most likely suspect. This process can provide false identification and lead the investigation in the incorrect direction or worst criminally charging and convicting the wrong person. The second, and more effective way, is the Sequential lineup. This specific procedure necessitates the witness to view each photo separately from the rest so not to pick the suspect due to his/her close similarity. When reviewing photos sequentially, one will be more likely to compare the photo to their memory rather than to the others grouped together. Lineups continue to be called to question from the defense in that there is always the possibility the results may produce a false identification of a suspect. This is commonly due to the officer inadvertently providing verbal or no-verbal clues as the witness reviews the lineup. In addition, lineups are to be construct so those displayed have similarities such a facial hair, eye glass, or skin tone. One photo cannot stand out in comparison of the others. For example, should the description provided by the witness include a mustache, then the other person within the lineup should all have similar

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