Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Is it advisable to indicate to a witness that the suspect is likely the offender during a show-up?

1. Yes, it helps them make a decision

2. No, it may prejudice their identification

3. Only if the witness is confident

4. There is no specific guideline on this

The correct answer is: No, it may prejudice their identification

Indicating to a witness that a suspect is likely the offender during a show-up can lead to biased identification. When investigators suggest to a witness that a particular individual is the suspect, it can unintentionally influence their perception and memory. Witnesses may feel pressured to conform to the suggestion, resulting in a false or inaccurate identification. This practice undermines the reliability of the identification process, as it introduces factors that can skew the witness's judgment. The goal of a show-up is to obtain an unbiased and accurate identification, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the criminal justice system. By keeping the identification process neutral and allowing witnesses to provide their own assessments without external input, the credibility of the evidence is preserved. Thus, it is essential to avoid making any statements that could lead a witness to believe that a specific suspect is the likely offender.