What is a key method to reduce eyewitness misidentification?

• A. Use only simultaneous lineup presentation.
• B. Rely on witness confidence alone.
• C. Use proper lineup procedures and sequential presentation.
• D. Conduct identifications quickly to reduce fatigue.

Answer: (C)

Reducing eyewitness misidentification hinges on controlling how identifications are made. The best approach is to use proper lineup procedures and present lineups sequentially.

When lineups are conducted properly, the administrator is blind to who the suspect is, fillers resemble the suspect, instructions are neutral and emphasize that the suspect may not be present, and no feedback is given that could alter a witness’s confidence. Presenting lineup members one at a time forces the witness to rely on memory rather than make relative judgments across all faces at once. This memory-based process lowers the chance of a false identification that often comes from comparing several options simultaneously.

Collecting a confidence statement immediately after the identification and keeping thorough documentation further supports the reliability assessment. Relying on confidence alone isn’t enough, quick identifications can increase errors, and presenting all options at once invites comparisons that bias the outcome.