Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What is the primary objective of a suspect show-up procedure?

1. To confirm the crime scene

2. To bring a victim or witness to identify a suspect

3. To document witness testimonies

4. To gather additional evidence

The correct answer is: To bring a victim or witness to identify a suspect

The primary objective of a suspect show-up procedure is centered on bringing a victim or witness to identify a suspect. This is a critical part of the investigatory process within the criminal justice system. During a show-up, law enforcement presents a suspect to a victim or witness shortly after the commission of a crime with the intent of obtaining a positive identification or confirmation of the suspect's involvement. This method can be advantageous because it occurs soon after the crime, which may enhance the likelihood of a reliable identification from witnesses still under the influence of fresh memories of the event. It is a vital aspect of ensuring that law enforcement can promptly locate and apprehend the right individual who may be linked to the crime, which can help in both solving the case and preventing further criminal activity. The focus of this procedure is on the immediacy of victim or witness recognition, making it distinct from other processes that might relate more to evidence collection or documentation. This distinguishes the show-up from other potentially relevant actions, such as confirming crime scenes or gathering additional evidence, which serve different purposes in the investigative process.