Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What is the most important factor in a successful photo lineup?

1. Random availability of suspects

2. Witness familiarity with the process

3. Similarity of physical characteristics among subjects

4. Speed of the identification process

The correct answer is: Similarity of physical characteristics among subjects

The most important factor in a successful photo lineup is the similarity of physical characteristics among the subjects. This ensures that the focus is on the suspect rather than any distinguishing features that could lead the witness to make an unreliable identification. When the individuals in the lineup are similar in appearance, such as age, race, and other relevant attributes, it reduces the risk of bias and increases the likelihood that the witness is identifying the correct person based on their memory of the event. Having a lineup composed of individuals who bear a close resemblance to one another helps to promote fairness in the identification process and can also maintain the integrity of the investigation. It minimizes the chance that a witness might incorrectly choose someone simply because they stand out from the rest, which is critical for preventing wrongful accusations and ensuring justice is served. In contrast to this, factors such as the random availability of suspects or the speed of the identification process do not have the same direct impact on the accuracy and reliability of the identification outcome. Witness familiarity with the process, while beneficial, does not outweigh the necessity of maintaining a lineup with closely matched physical characteristics.