Colorado POST Practice Exam

Which of the following is used in a field identification process?

1. Show-up

2. Photo array

3. Sketch line-up

4. Group interview

The correct answer is: Show-up

The field identification process is essentially a method utilized by law enforcement to quickly and effectively identify a suspect in the immediate aftermath of a crime. A show-up is a procedure in which a single suspect is presented to a witness or victim shortly after a crime has occurred, typically in close proximity to the crime scene. This method is designed to establish whether the witness can identify the suspect as the perpetrator. This process is particularly useful because it allows for timely identification, which can be crucial in preventing further criminal activity or apprehending the suspect while evidence is still fresh. It is considered critical that this identification occurs promptly, as the reliability of memory can decrease over time. While the other options, such as a photo array, sketch line-up, and group interview, are also methods of identification, they are not specifically categorized as field identification processes. The photo array involves presenting multiple images to a witness at a later time, typically in a controlled environment rather than at the scene. A sketch line-up, while a form of identification, is not a commonly used procedure and refers more to artistic representation rather than a direct identification. A group interview is not specifically tied to the identification process and does not target a specific suspect. Thus, the show-up stands out as the only