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Preferred term

police lineups  

Definition

  • Nearly everyone is familiar with the standard American lineup: six individuals (the suspect plus five “foils” or fillers), all of whom are shown (often standing in front of a height chart) to the witness, who views the lineup members from behind a one-way mirror; is given an opportunity to observe each member of the lineup; and is instructed to make an identification, if possible, or reject the lineup. The police officer who assembled the lineup has selected foils who resemble the suspect (often using other police officers or people who are in custody), arranged the presentation (sometimes in consultation with the suspect's defense attorney), and presented the lineup to the witness—sometimes with an admonition that the witness should take his or her time. [Source: Encyclopedia of Law Enforcement; Lineups]

Entry terms

  • identity parades

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URI

https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/police_lineups

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