What should be ensured when choosing photos for a lineup?

When selecting photos for a lineup, it is crucial to use high-quality images to ensure that the identifications made by witnesses are accurate and reliable. High-quality images allow for clear visibility of facial features, which is essential for participants to make informed decisions during the identification process. Blurry or poorly lit images can lead to misidentification or confusion, undermining the integrity of the lineup.

The quality of the images also helps maintain the procedure's credibility in court, as juries and judges place significant emphasis on the reliability of witness identifications. High-resolution images facilitate a more accurate assessment of facial distinctions, which is particularly important when distinguishing between individuals who may have similar appearances.

In contrast, using previous arrest photos may not always fit the context or current appearance of the suspect, and images from various sources, such as different lighting conditions or ages, might not provide a consistent basis for identification. Therefore, ensuring all images are of high quality is a best practice in conducting fair and effective lineups.