Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What is the significance of conducting a prompt show-up after a crime?

1. It allows for immediate arrest of suspects

2. It helps to gather forensic evidence

3. It increases the likelihood of accurate identification by the witness

4. It provides a surveillance of the area

The correct answer is: It increases the likelihood of accurate identification by the witness

Conducting a prompt show-up after a crime holds significant importance primarily because it increases the likelihood of accurate identification by the witness. In the immediate aftermath of an incident, witnesses’ memories are fresh, and the details they recall are still vivid. When witnesses have a chance to identify a suspect shortly after the crime has occurred, the chances of making an accurate identification are enhanced because the timeframe aligns closely with the actual event. This method minimizes the decay of memory that can happen over time, which can lead to inaccuracies. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for law enforcement to quickly assess whether the right person has been apprehended, supporting the investigative process. The immediacy of a show-up not only aids in identifying potential suspects but also serves to validate or challenge the accounts provided by witnesses, thereby strengthening the foundations of subsequent legal proceedings.