Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What should you have ready during a show-up procedure?

1. Legal documents for the suspect

2. Assistance available for making an arrest

3. Witness's personal identification

4. A clear description of the suspect

The correct answer is: Assistance available for making an arrest

During a show-up procedure, it is crucial to have a clear description of the suspect readily available. This is because the essence of a show-up is to allow witnesses to identify a suspect shortly after a crime has occurred, typically within a short time frame to maintain the reliability of the identification process. A clear description helps to ensure that the right person is being presented to the witness, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the identification and reducing the chances of misidentifying an innocent person. While having assistance for making an arrest might be beneficial, it does not directly facilitate the identification process. The focus should be on presenting the suspect in a manner that is fair to the witness and protects the rights of the suspect. Additionally, legal documents and personal identification for the witness, while important in the broader context of criminal justice procedures, do not play a role in the immediate requirements of conducting a show-up. It is the suspect's description that holds the most significance for ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the identification process.