Policy Text
ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
GENERAL ORDER
Effective Date: May 29, 2021 Amends - GO 16.1.15 ( April 30, 2021 ) Number: 16.1.15
Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: November Reviewing Authority:
CID / Division Commander
Subject: Photog raphic or Live Lineup Eyewitness Identification
This order consists of the following:
1. Purpose
2. Policy
3. Definitions
4. Procedures
1. Purpose
The purpose of this directive is to provide guidelines for preparing non -sugges tive show -
ups, photographic or physical (live) lineups for the purposes of eyewitness identification of
a suspect involved in an investigation. A show -up/line -up will be conducted in such a way
that a witness in the case is not subjected to unduly suggesti ve methods in order to confirm
reliable and accurate identifications. Agency personnel participating in the use of
photographic or physical (live) lineups shall be instructed in this policy through field training
and triennial training . Personnel participa ting in the use of photographic or physical (live)
lineups shall review and acknowledge that they understand the agency’s policy regarding
eyewitness identification.
2. Policy
When photographic and/or live lineups are necessary, agency personnel shall compose
them in such a manner that the suspect does not unduly stand out. When administering
any lineup, no person aware of the suspect’s identification other than the investigator
administering the lineup and (in the case of a live lineup where the right to counsel has
attached) the suspect’s attorney may be present, except when necessary for training
purposes The manner in which an identification procedure is conducted can affect the
reliability, fairness and objectivity of the identification. Use of the pro cedures outlined in this
policy can minimize the effect of external influences on a witness’ memory. Identification
obtained through a lineup composed in this manner may have stronger evidentiary value
than one obtained without these procedures. Generally, live or physical line -ups are not
used.
3. Definitions
A. Blank Photo - A blank sheet of paper that is the same size as the photographs
utilized in the photo lineup . (Blank photos are only utilized in sequential photo
lineups.)
B. Filler Photos - Photograph s of persons other than the suspect, used to complete a
photo array and bring the total number of photos in the array up to a minimum of six
photos.
16.1.15 , Page 2 of 8
C. Functional Equivalent Procedures (FEP) - Procedures utilized when an Independent
Administrator is not utilized, permitting the investigator to conduct a sequential
photographic lineup in a manner that precludes him or her from knowing when the
suspect is presented to the witness.
D. Line up - A lineup is any procedure in which a witness to a crime or other incid ent is
asked to identify a suspect from among a group of individuals.
E. Live Lineup - Live presentation of individuals, before an eyewitness, for the purpose
of identifying or eliminating suspects. Live lineups may present the persons in the
lineup simultan eously, or sequentially. Live lineups are sometimes called “physical
lineups.”
F. Independent Administrator - An investigator who is not an active participant in the
investigation of a criminal offense, and is unaware of which person in the live lineup
is the suspect.
G. Photo Array - The group of photographs utilized in a photographic lineup. A photo
array may be presented to the witness simultaneously or sequentially. The process
of conducting a photographic lineup is often called the “photo array.”
H. Photogr aphic Lineup - Showing photographs to an eyewitness for the purpose of
identifying or eliminating suspects. Photographic lineups may be presented
simultaneously, or sequentially. The group of photos used in a photographic lineup
is called a “photo array.”
I. Sequentially - Presentation of photos in a photo group or individuals in a lineup to a
witness one ‐at‐a‐time rather than all at once (simultaneously) .
J. Show -up - A single suspect viewed by a victim or witness immediately following the
commission of a crim e for the purpose of identifying or eliminating the suspect as
the perpetrator.
K. Simultaneously - Presentation of photos in a photo group or individuals in a lineup to
a witness all at once (6-pack) rather than one ‐at‐a‐time (sequentially) .
4. Procedures
A. Photo Arrays/Lineups
Photographic Line -ups provide valuable evidence in criminal cases when properly
administered and documented. Agency members participating in the use of photo
lineups shall be familiar with this General Order .
1. Sequential photo li neup:
a. Investigator responsibilities
1. Create a Sequential photo lineup in accordance with TB 97 -3
2. Place the suspect photo and filler photos in individual folders.
Include two (2) blank pho tos in folders, for a minimum of eight
(8) folders.
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3. Shuffle the eight (8) folders of the sequential lineup before
giving them to the Independent Administrator for the witness to
view.
Note : When the “ Functional Equivalent Procedure ” is used in a
sequentia l photographic lineup, placement of the suspect will
be random in each lineup due to the shuffling of the folders.
4. The