Criminal Investigation
Photo Montage and
Police Lineup
Part 9
Photo Montage / Lineup
1. Photo montage
- form of suspect identification
- 69% recognition
a. Probable cause
- not under arrest
- charges not filed / no defense attorney
(1) Six photos
- more photos
- add / more suspects
Photo, cont.
(2) Similar appearance
- avoid suggestion
- uniformity
b. Presentation
(1) Show montage
- “Do you recognize anyone?”
(2) Fear
- not rush / examine carefully
Photo, cont.
(3) No identification
- eliminate possible suspect
- show all witnesses
(4) Take statement
- signs montage
- mark as evidence
2. Physical lineup
- frequently used
- 75% recognition
Lineup, cont.
a. Good probable cause
- under arrest
- compel to participate
(1) Defense attorney
- present during lineup
- cannot interfere
(2) Requirements
(a) Five (5) plus suspect
Lineup, cont.
(b) Unknown
- draw from any source
- jail / police / etc.
- sign waiver
(c) Similar appearance
- actions / speech / dress / etc.
- lack of cooperation
- chooses placement
(3) Lineup room
Lineup, cont.
(a) Numbered spaces
- predetermined number
(b) Measuring device
- height chart
(c) Insure privacy
- cannot be seen
3. Primary investigator
- orders participants
Lineup, cont.
a. Straight on / right-left profile
- all do same
b. Photograph all
- video preferred
- documentation
c. Recite phrase
- robbery / kidnap / extortion / rape
d. Witness statement afterward
Lineup, cont.
- can witness identify
- statement taken
(1) Physical appearance altered
- photo montage
(2) Photograph altered appearance
- show later in court
4. Single suspect confrontation
- very effective ID tool
Single Suspect, cont.
-guidelines must be followed
- 95% recognition
a. Good probable cause
- usually detained
- may be under arrest
- requirements:
(1) Located proximate to crime
- must be reasonable
- could have been at crime scene
Suspect, cont.
(2) Time factor
- time span increases
- ID holding up lessens
(3) Similar description
- clothing / features similar
- given by victim / witness
- clothing may vary
(4) Victim to suspect location
- preferred method
Suspect, cont.
- drive by suspect location
(5) Suspect to victim location
- caution used
- have consent
- victim / witness concealed
b. Suggestive identification procedure
- must avoid
(1) Avoid term “suspect”
Suspect, cont.
- do you recognize / can you identify
(2) Position of suspect
- not observe handcuffs
- prejudicial
(3) Witness to view
- safety of vehicle /discreet location
- avoid intimidation
(4) Not in police facility