In a photo array, what is the minimum number of filler photos required?

In a photo array, what is the minimum number of filler photos required?

• A. 3
• B. 4
• C. 5
• D. 6

Answer: (C)

In a photo array, the minimum number of filler photos required is five. Filler photos are included to ensure that the suspect does not stand out from the other individuals in the array. Their presence serves a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the identification process, helping to prevent any bias from influencing a witness's selection. Having five filler photos alongside the suspect allows for a more balanced and representative array. It provides enough variety so that a witness cannot easily determine who the suspect is based solely on the number of photos or the distinctiveness of the individuals presented. This is crucial for ensuring that the identification is fair and reliable, thereby helping to protect the rights of individuals who may be wrongly accused based on a faulty identification process. While fewer than five filler photos might lead to a greater chance of misidentification or bias, using five or more adheres to best practices in law enforcement to enhance the validity of witness identification, ultimately strengthening the investigative process.

In a photo array, the minimum number of filler photos required is five. Filler photos are included to ensure that the suspect does not stand out from the other individuals in the array. Their presence serves a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the identification process, helping to prevent any bias from influencing a witness's selection.

Having five filler photos alongside the suspect allows for a more balanced and representative array. It provides enough variety so that a witness cannot easily determine who the suspect is based solely on the number of photos or the distinctiveness of the individuals presented. This is crucial for ensuring that the identification is fair and reliable, thereby helping to protect the rights of individuals who may be wrongly accused based on a faulty identification process.

While fewer than five filler photos might lead to a greater chance of misidentification or bias, using five or more adheres to best practices in law enforcement to enhance the validity of witness identification, ultimately strengthening the investigative process.