Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What should a witness's description of the suspect be during identification?

1. Reasonably accurate

2. Complex and detailed

3. Vague and emotional

4. Based on secondhand information

The correct answer is: Reasonably accurate

A witness's description of a suspect during identification should be reasonably accurate to ensure that law enforcement can effectively use that information in their investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings. A reasonably accurate description focuses on clear and factual details that are essential for the identification process, such as physical traits (height, weight, clothing), distinguishing marks, and other relevant identifiers. This accuracy is crucial because any ambiguity or inaccuracies could lead to wrongful identification or misdirection in an investigation. Law enforcement relies on these descriptions to narrow down suspects and can significantly affect the outcome of an investigation and judicial process. While a more complex and detailed description might seem helpful, it could also introduce unnecessary confusion or bias if it includes subjective observations. A description that is vague and emotional may not provide concrete, usable information. Similarly, relying on secondhand information undermines the reliability of the witness's perspective, diverting from the intention of capturing firsthand accounts which are typically more credible. Thus, maintaining a focus on reasonably accurate details helps reinforce the integrity of the witness's account in the context of law enforcement.