Eyewitness Identification Procedure

72 Questions

What instruction is given to the witness regarding the lineup?

To take their time in making a decision about each photograph

What should the deputy/detective avoid doing during the identification procedure?

Saying or making gestures that may influence the witness' selection

What is the purpose of a composite diagram?

To create a specialized tool for identification

What is a precaution to be taken during a show-up?

To take precautions to limit the suggestiveness of the show-up

What should be done if multiple witnesses are involved in a show-up?

Separate them and instruct them to avoid discussing details of the incident

What is documented after an identification is made during a show-up?

The witness' certainty of the identification

What is the purpose of the sequential photo lineup procedure?

To identify a suspect through a series of photographs

Why should the deputy/detective avoid revealing to the witness whether they did or did not make an identification?

To avoid influencing the witness' testimony

What should be done with the photographs after the sequential photo lineup procedure?

Preserve them in their original condition and place into evidence

What is emphasized to the witness during the sequential photo lineup procedure?

The possibility that the perpetrator may or may not be in the lineup

What is the purpose of using fillers in a photo lineup?

To complete a photo array and bring the total number of photos to a minimum of 6

What is the minimum number of fillers required per identification procedure?

What is the purpose of using the Cogent Mugshot System (CMS)?

To store and retrieve photos of individuals who were previously arrested

What is the purpose of recording the booking numbers in the lineup?

To document the lineup sequence

Why is it important to ensure there is no written information regarding previous arrest(s) visible to the witness?

To prevent the witness from being influenced by prior arrests

What is the purpose of presenting the lineup photos sequentially?

To minimize the chance of a suspect misidentification

What is the purpose of a show-up?

A field identification procedure performed when circumstances require prompt display of a single suspect to a witness

Why is it important to ensure uniformity of features between the suspect and fillers?

To ensure fairness and objectivity in the identification procedure

What is the purpose of having a supervisor approve the array of photos?

To ensure the suspect does not unduly stand out

Why is blind administration important in conducting lineups?

To minimize the chance of a suspect misidentification by eliminating the possibility of inadvertently influencing the witness' selection

What is the primary purpose of this standard operating procedure?

To provide guidelines for law enforcement personnel in criminal investigations

Who is responsible for overseeing the sequential photo lineup?

An Independent Administrator

What is the role of composites in eyewitness identification?

To enable law enforcement officers to better perceive how a suspect may appear

What is the significance of eyewitnesses in criminal investigations?

They play a vital role in solving crimes

What is the purpose of the blind administration procedure?

To eliminate the possibility of unintentionally influencing the witness' selection

What is the scope of this standard operating procedure?

It applies to all Sheriff's Office law enforcement personnel

What is the significance of filing the eyewitness identification policy with the State Attorney's Office?

To ensure compliance with state regulations

What is the composition of a lineup?

A display of photos consisting of one suspect among a number of fillers

Who should document the outcome of the procedure by recording any identification results and witness' statements?

The independent administrator

What should be included in the supplemental report?

The date, time, and location of the procedure

What should be documented in the witness' exact words?

Their statement of confidence

What should be recorded if the witness is unable to identify anyone?

None

What should the witness be prohibited from doing?

Writing on or marking any photographs

Who should receive training prior to developing and/or administering photographic lineups or show-ups?

All sworn personnel

How often should refresher training be provided to sworn personnel?

Upon a revision to this procedure

What should be documented in the sworn personnel's training history?

Their lineup/show-up refresher training

The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to provide guidelines for eyewitness identification situations in all law enforcement agencies

False

A blind administrator is aware of the suspect's identity during the lineup

False

Composites can be used as stand-alone evidence in criminal investigations

False

The eyewitness identification policy and procedures must be filed with the local police department

False

The sequential photo lineup procedure is used to intimidate witnesses

False

Fillers in a photo lineup are chosen based on their physical similarity to the suspect

True

The primary purpose of this standard operating procedure is to protect the rights of the suspect

False

Eyewitness testimony is not important in criminal investigations

False

A sequential photo lineup presents all photos to the witness at once.

False

The Cogent Mugshot System (CMS) contains photos of only arrested individuals.

True

Fillers in a photo lineup should closely resemble the suspect.

False

The deputy/detective should reveal to the witness whether they made an identification.

False

A supervisor is required to approve the array of photos before presenting it to the witness.

True

The purpose of a show-up is to gather evidence.

False

A minimum of 6 fillers are required per identification procedure.

False

The deputy/detective should ensure the images in the photo lineup are outdated.

False

The witness should be able to write notes on the photos during the lineup procedure.

False

The lineup sequence form is used to record the order in which the photos were shown.

True

The deputy/detective should not obtain a statement of confidence from the witness.

False

The witness should be allowed to write on or mark any photographs during the procedure.

False

The results of the procedure should only be documented if the witness makes an identification.

False

The lineup materials should be kept by the deputy/detective after the procedure.

False

Only sworn personnel who have previously administered photographic lineups or show-ups need to receive training.

False

Refresher training is only required when there is a revision to the procedure.

False

The lineup/show-up viewing instructions form should not be signed and dated by the witness.

False

The deputy/detective should not document the date, time, and location of the procedure.

False

The witness should be shown all the photographs in the lineup at once.

False

Deputies/detectives may say or make gestures to influence the witness' selection.

False

Show-ups should only be conducted within a reasonable amount of time after the crime and within a reasonable distance of the scene of the crime.

True

The deputy/detective should reveal to the witness whether they did or did not make an identification.

False

The Sheriff's Office conducts live lineups.

False

The witness should be instructed to discuss the identification procedure with other witnesses.

False

Deputies/detectives should comment on the witness' identification or non-identification.

False

The photographs will be shuffled into a different order if the witness requests to see them a second time.

True

A composite diagram is used for identification purposes only.

False

The witness will be asked to state, in their own words, how certain they are of any identification.

True

Study Notes

Eyewitness Identification Procedure

Purpose: To provide guidelines for eyewitness identification situations in criminal investigations.

Scope

Applies to all Sheriff's Office law enforcement personnel.

Discussion

Eyewitnesses play a vital role in solving crimes, but can also make misidentifications.
The Sheriff's Office aims to seek reliable procedures for eyewitness identification to mitigate potential misidentification of innocent persons.
Witness must indicate ability to recognize a suspect and/or provide a sufficiently detailed description of a suspect.

Definitions

Lineups: A display of photos consisting of one suspect among a number of fillers from which a witness can identify a perpetrator.
Blind Administration Procedures: An independent administrator overseeing the sequential photo lineup who does not know the desired answer.
Composites: Sketches based on a witness' descriptive information that enables law enforcement officers to better perceive how a suspect may appear.
Cogent Mugshot System (CMS): A web-based application containing photos of individuals previously arrested.
Fillers: Photographs of persons other than the suspect used to complete a photo array.
Sequential Photo Lineup: Photos viewed by the witness one at a time in random order.
Show-ups: A field identification procedure performed when circumstances require prompt display of a single suspect to a witness.

Procedure

Composing Lineups:
- Include only one suspect in each identification procedure.
- Select fillers who generally fit the witness' description of the perpetrator.
- Use CMS to select fillers with specific physical characteristics consistent with the suspect's description.
- Ensure images are contemporary and not outdated.
- Complete uniformity of features is not required.
- Avoid using fillers that closely resemble the suspect.
Conducting Lineups:
- Present photos to the witness one at a time in random order.
- Use blind administration procedures to eliminate the possibility of unintentionally influencing the witness' selection.
- Record the booking numbers in the lineup, the position number of the suspect photo, and document utilizing the lineup sequence form in a supplemental report.

Other Methods of Identification

Composites: A specialized tool provided by an approved vendor that may be utilized by detectives.
Show-ups:
- Understand that show-ups can be suggestive.
- Determine and document the description of the perpetrator prior to the show-up.
- Transport the witness to the location of the detained subject to limit the legal impact of the subject's detention and crime scene contamination.
- Caution the witness that the person they are looking at may or may not be the perpetrator.
- Document a statement of certainty if identification is made.

Documenting the Results of the Lineup

Note in the supplemental report the presentation of the lineup as an independent administrator.
Preserve the outcome of the procedure by recording any identification results and witness' statements.
Document the date, time, and location of the procedure.
Document the procedure employed (e.g., sequential photo lineup or show-up) in the supplemental report.
Document the witness' exact words and obtain a statement of confidence.

Training

All sworn personnel shall receive training prior to developing and/or administering photographic lineups or show-ups.
Refresher training shall be provided to all sworn personnel periodically.
Lineup/Show-up refresher training provided to sworn personnel shall be documented in their training history.

Eyewitness Identification Procedure

Purpose: To provide guidelines for eyewitness identification situations in criminal investigations.

Scope

Applies to all Sheriff's Office law enforcement personnel.

Discussion

Eyewitnesses play a vital role in solving crimes, but can also make misidentifications.
The Sheriff's Office aims to seek reliable procedures for eyewitness identification to mitigate potential misidentification of innocent persons.
Witness must indicate ability to recognize a suspect and/or provide a sufficiently detailed description of a suspect.

Definitions

Lineups: A display of photos consisting of one suspect among a number of fillers from which a witness can identify a perpetrator.
Blind Administration Procedures: An independent administrator overseeing the sequential photo lineup who does not know the desired answer.
Composites: Sketches based on a witness' descriptive information that enables law enforcement officers to better perceive how a suspect may appear.
Cogent Mugshot System (CMS): A web-based application containing photos of individuals previously arrested.
Fillers: Photographs of persons other than the suspect used to complete a photo array.
Sequential Photo Lineup: Photos viewed by the witness one at a time in random order.
Show-ups: A field identification procedure performed when circumstances require prompt display of a single suspect to a witness.

Procedure

Composing Lineups:
- Include only one suspect in each identification procedure.
- Select fillers who generally fit the witness' description of the perpetrator.
- Use CMS to select fillers with specific physical characteristics consistent with the suspect's description.
- Ensure images are contemporary and not outdated.
- Complete uniformity of features is not required.
- Avoid using fillers that closely resemble the suspect.
Conducting Lineups:
- Present photos to the witness one at a time in random order.
- Use blind administration procedures to eliminate the possibility of unintentionally influencing the witness' selection.
- Record the booking numbers in the lineup, the position number of the suspect photo, and document utilizing the lineup sequence form in a supplemental report.

Other Methods of Identification

Composites: A specialized tool provided by an approved vendor that may be utilized by detectives.
Show-ups:
- Understand that show-ups can be suggestive.
- Determine and document the description of the perpetrator prior to the show-up.
- Transport the witness to the location of the detained subject to limit the legal impact of the subject's detention and crime scene contamination.
- Caution the witness that the person they are looking at may or may not be the perpetrator.
- Document a statement of certainty if identification is made.

Documenting the Results of the Lineup

Note in the supplemental report the presentation of the lineup as an independent administrator.
Preserve the outcome of the procedure by recording any identification results and witness' statements.
Document the date, time, and location of the procedure.
Document the procedure employed (e.g., sequential photo lineup or show-up) in the supplemental report.
Document the witness' exact words and obtain a statement of confidence.

Training

All sworn personnel shall receive training prior to developing and/or administering photographic lineups or show-ups.
Refresher training shall be provided to all sworn personnel periodically.
Lineup/Show-up refresher training provided to sworn personnel shall be documented in their training history.

This quiz covers the guidelines for law enforcement personnel when dealing with eyewitnesses in criminal investigations, highlighting their vital role in solving crimes.

Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards

Convert your notes into interactive study material.