In a lineup context, how many photographs are typically used to form a Photo Array?

In a lineup context, how many photographs are typically used to form a Photo Array?

• A. 5
• B. 6
• C. 7
• D. 9

Answer: (B)

Six photographs are typically used in a Photo Array. This six-pack format includes one photo of the suspect and five fillers that resemble the suspect in key features like age, race, general appearance, and facial characteristics. The idea is to give the witness enough options to compare faces without overwhelming them or steering them toward a biased choice. With too few photos, identification may be unreliable because there isn’t enough variation to judge features; with too many, memory and decision-making can become cluttered, increasing the chance of errors. The six-photo array strikes a practical balance that’s widely used in many agencies to support more accurate identifications.

Six photographs are typically used in a Photo Array. This six-pack format includes one photo of the suspect and five fillers that resemble the suspect in key features like age, race, general appearance, and facial characteristics. The idea is to give the witness enough options to compare faces without overwhelming them or steering them toward a biased choice. With too few photos, identification may be unreliable because there isn’t enough variation to judge features; with too many, memory and decision-making can become cluttered, increasing the chance of errors. The six-photo array strikes a practical balance that’s widely used in many agencies to support more accurate identifications.