POLICY Eyewitness identification is a frequently used investigative tool. Officers shall strictly adhere to the procedures set forth herein, in order to maximize the reliability of identifications and gather evidence that conforms to contemporary eyewitness identification protocols. DEFINITIONS Procedures used when an independent administrator is Functional Equivalent (FE) Procedures: not available. FE procedures permit the investigative officer to conduct a photo array using procedures that preclude him or her from knowing the suspect is presented to the witness. The officer administering the lineup or photo array who has no Independent Administrator: knowledge of the suspect’s identity. Live presentation of individuals, before an eyewitness, for the purpose of identifying or Lineup: eliminating suspects. Showing photographs to an eyewitness for the purpose of identifying or eliminating Photo Array: suspects. Presentation of photos or individuals in a live lineup to a witness one at a time rather Sequential: than all at once. The presentation of a suspect to an eyewitness in a short time frame following Showup: commission of a crime to confirm or eliminate him or her as the perceived perpetrator. Showups, also referred to as are conducted in a contemporaneous time frame and setting field identifications, with the crime. Presentation of photos or individuals in a live lineup to a witness all at once. Simultaneous: PROCEDURES Showups The use of showups should be avoided whenever possible in preference for the use of a photo array or a lineup. However, when circumstances require the prompt display of a suspect to a witness, the following guidelines shall be followed to minimize potential suggestiveness: Document the of the perpetrator prior to conducting the showup. witness’s description Use showups only when the suspect is detained within a reasonably short time frame following the offense. Do not use single suspect showups if probable cause to arrest the suspect has already been established. Transport the witness to the location of the suspect whenever possible, rather than bringing the suspect to the witness.
POLICY Eyewitness identification is a frequently used investigative tool. Officers shall strictly adhere to the procedures set forth herein, in order to maximize the reliability of identifications and gather evidence that conforms to contemporary eyewitness identification protocols. DEFINITIONS Functional Equivalent (FE) Procedures: Procedures used when an independent administrator is not available. FE procedures permit the investigative officer to conduct a photo array using procedures that preclude him or her from knowing the suspect is presented to the witness. Independent Administrator: The officer administering the lineup or photo array who has no knowledge of the suspect’s identity. Lineup: Live presentation of individuals, before an eyewitness, for the purpose of identifying or eliminating suspects. Photo Array: Showing photographs to an eyewitness for the purpose of identifying or eliminating suspects. Sequential: Presentation of photos or individuals in a live lineup to a witness one at a time rather than all at once. Showup: The presentation of a suspect to an eyewitness in a short time frame following commission of a crime to confirm or eliminate him or her as the perceived perpetrator. Showups, also referred to as field identifications, are conducted in a contemporaneous time frame and setting with the crime. Simultaneous: Presentation of photos or individuals in a live lineup to a witness all at once. PROCEDURES Showups The use of showups should be avoided whenever possible in preference for the use of a photo array or a lineup. However, when circumstances require the prompt display of a suspect to a witness, the following guidelines shall be followed to minimize potential suggestiveness: Document the witness’s description of the perpetrator prior to conducting the showup. Use showups only when the suspect is detained within a reasonably short time frame following the offense. Do not use single suspect showups if probable cause to arrest the suspect has already been established. Transport the witness to the location of the suspect whenever possible, rather than bringing the suspect to the witness.
Eyewitness%20Identification%20Model%20Policy.docx