What is the key action to take during a showup?

What is the key action to take during a showup?

• A. Conceal the victim/witness from other witnesses
• B. Caution the person that they may not recognize the suspect
• C. Use a pre-arranged script for identification
• D. Show multiple suspects at once

Answer: (B)

The primary action to take during a showup is to caution the person that they may not recognize the suspect. This is essential because it ensures that the eyewitness understands that their memory can be fallible. By providing this caution, the investigator helps prevent any undue pressure or suggestiveness that could lead to a mistaken identification. During a showup, the person observing the suspect is typically experiencing high levels of stress, which can affect their ability to accurately recall details. By making them aware that their recognition might not be reliable, it encourages them to take their time and make a careful assessment, thereby enhancing the overall integrity of the identification process. Concealing the victim or witness from other witnesses is a procedural consideration but does not address the psychological factors involved in the witness's identification process. Similarly, using a pre-arranged script could potentially lead to suggestiveness and should be approached with caution. Showing multiple suspects at once can dilute the effectiveness of the identification process, as it may create confusion rather than clarity.

The primary action to take during a showup is to caution the person that they may not recognize the suspect. This is essential because it ensures that the eyewitness understands that their memory can be fallible. By providing this caution, the investigator helps prevent any undue pressure or suggestiveness that could lead to a mistaken identification.

During a showup, the person observing the suspect is typically experiencing high levels of stress, which can affect their ability to accurately recall details. By making them aware that their recognition might not be reliable, it encourages them to take their time and make a careful assessment, thereby enhancing the overall integrity of the identification process.

Concealing the victim or witness from other witnesses is a procedural consideration but does not address the psychological factors involved in the witness's identification process. Similarly, using a pre-arranged script could potentially lead to suggestiveness and should be approached with caution. Showing multiple suspects at once can dilute the effectiveness of the identification process, as it may create confusion rather than clarity.