In a photo lineup, which arrangement should be used to avoid bias?

In a photo lineup, which arrangement should be used to avoid bias?

• A. The suspect should be interviewed before the lineup
• B. The lineup should be presented by a prosecutor
• C. A law enforcement officer who is unaware of the suspect
• D. The lineup should be presented by the victim

Answer: (C)

Avoiding bias in eyewitness identifications is achieved by having a law enforcement officer who does not know which photo is the suspect administer the lineup. When the administrator is unaware of the suspect’s identity, they cannot unconsciously cue the witness through facial expressions, timing, or the way the photos are presented. This blind administration minimizes unintentional influence and helps ensure the witness’s identification is based on their memory alone, not on investigator cues. The other approaches introduce potential bias: interviewing the suspect before the lineup can prime or contaminate the witness’s memory; having a prosecutor present can subtly steer the witness; and having the victim present could introduce social or emotional pressure.

Avoiding bias in eyewitness identifications is achieved by having a law enforcement officer who does not know which photo is the suspect administer the lineup. When the administrator is unaware of the suspect’s identity, they cannot unconsciously cue the witness through facial expressions, timing, or the way the photos are presented. This blind administration minimizes unintentional influence and helps ensure the witness’s identification is based on their memory alone, not on investigator cues.

The other approaches introduce potential bias: interviewing the suspect before the lineup can prime or contaminate the witness’s memory; having a prosecutor present can subtly steer the witness; and having the victim present could introduce social or emotional pressure.