TCOLE Professional Policing Practice Test

Which practice best reduces misidentification in eyewitness identification?

Rely on a single eyewitness account without a lineup. Inform witnesses of the suspect's identity before lineup. Use proper lineup procedures to reduce misidentification. Publish lineup publicly.

Correct Answer:

Use proper lineup procedures to reduce misidentification.

Explanation:

Reducing misidentification comes from presenting a lineup in a way that eliminates bias and cues for the witness. Proper lineup procedures do this by using a double-blind administrator, sequential presentation, and fillers who match the witness’s description, along with neutral instructions that the suspect may or may not be in the lineup and that the witness should rely on memory—not guesses or producer hints. It also avoids giving feedback on identification, which can inflate confidence. This combination minimizes the chances of a wrong person being identified. Other approaches introduce bias or external influence (single eyewitness usage, being told the suspect’s identity beforehand, or publicly publishing the lineup), making misidentification more likely.

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