What Is a Photographic Lineup?

Full Video Transcript

A photographic lineup, often called a photo lineup, is sometimes used by police to gather evidence in a criminal investigation. During a photographic lineup, a witness is shown a series of photographs that may or may not include a suspect. Nonsuspect photos are selected because these individuals share similar similar height, weight, build, and complexion as the suspect. The victim or witness will view a photographic lineup in one of two ways: either as a set of six pictures at the same time or sequentially. This type of identification process can be used when a police lineup is not possible. If the victim or witness successfully identifies the suspect from among the rest of the pictures, the identification is generally deemed valid and may be used to arrest the suspect.