MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Which is the appropriate method to transport a suspect for identification?

1. Take them to the police booking area first

2. Transport in a police cruiser with lights flashing

3. Transfer the witness to the suspect's location

4. Take the suspect to a different room for identification

The correct answer is: Transfer the witness to the suspect's location

The most appropriate method to transport a suspect for identification is to transfer the witness to the suspect's location. This approach helps ensure that the witness can identify the suspect in a controlled and recognizable setting, which serves to eliminate biases or suggestions that may occur when the suspect and witness are transported together. Bringing the witness to the suspect allows for a more neutral environment, reducing the likelihood of any contamination of the identification process. When witnesses are taken to the location of the suspect, they can observe the suspect in a natural context and are less likely to feel pressured or influenced by proximity or interactions before the identification occurs. This method aligns with best practices for conducting lineups or show-ups, ensuring that the identification is fair and reliable. Transporting a suspect in a police cruiser with lights flashing can create an undue spectacle and may unduly influence the witness's perception of the suspect as guilty or dangerous. Taking the suspect to a different room might also cause confusion if the witness cannot adequately identify the suspect in an unfamiliar setting. Similarly, taking the suspect to the booking area first could complicate the identification process further and introduce additional factors that could compromise its integrity.