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E.P.P. 052 LONGWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT ENFORCEMENT POLICY & PROCEDURE NUMBER: EPP – 52 SUBJECT: SHOWUP PROCEDURES EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 1,2011 REVISED: NOVEMBER 1, 2023 ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE SHOWUPS EPP – 52 Page 1 of 3 I. PURPOSE: This policy provides guidelines for the administration of showups. Showups should be used if circumstances permit the prompt display of a suspect/subject to a witness. Adherence to this policy shall be followed to minimize improper suggestiveness. This policy shall apply to all sworn law enforcement personnel. II. CONSIDERATIONS: In determining whether to conduct a showup, the following shall be considered: A. The witness’ opportunity to view the suspect/subject during the crime. B. The length of time between the crime and subsequent identification. C. The level of certainty demonstrated by the witness at the identification. D. The accuracy of the witness’ prior description of the suspect/subject. E. The witness’ degree of attention during the crime. III. PROCEDURES: A. Document the witness’ description of the perpetrator before conducting the showup. B. Use the showups only when the suspect is detained within a reasonably short time frame following the offense. C. Transport the witness to the location of the suspect rather than bringing the suspect to the witness. ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE SHOWUPS EPP – 52 Page 2 of 3 D. Officers shall not conduct showups when the suspects are in patrol cars, handcuffed, or physically restrained by law enforcement officers unless necessary due to safety. E. Officers will not provide any verbal or nonverbal feedback to the witness on the witness’ selection or the outcome of the showup. F. If more than one eyewitness is available, separate the witnesses and do not allow communication between them before or after conducting a showup. G. Multiple witnesses shall be taken to the location of the suspect/subject individually for the purpose of a showup. H. Do not present the same suspect to the same witness more than one time. I. Do not require showup suspects to put on clothing worn by, speak words uttered by, or perform other actions of the perpetrator. J. Officers should avoid words, conduct, or feedback of any type that may suggest to the witness that the individual is or may be the perpetrator. K. Document any statements or nonverbal communication made by the witness. L. Audio or video recordings of a showup will be at the discretion of the officer based upon the circumstances or the prior information obtained in the investigation. M. The following instructions will be provided to the witness prior to them being asked to view a suspect. 1. You will be asked to view an individual. 2. The person of interest may or may not be present. 3. You should not feel as though you have to make identification. 4. Take as much time as you need to look at the individual. 5. Individuals presented may not appear exactly as they did during the incident. 6. It is just as important to exclude innocent persons from suspicion as it is to identify the perpetrator. 7. The investigation will continue whether or not identification is made. ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE SHOWUPS EPP – 52 Page 3 of 3 8. If you identify someone, you should indicate if they were involved in the incident and explain their role. 9. If you identify someone, I will document your statements regarding your identification. 10. Since this is an ongoing investigation, you should not discuss the results of this showup with anyone. IV. DOCUMENTATION: Showup results are documented by the officer and/or investigator. At least the following information will be included in the report. A. Basic Information: 1. The names of all persons present at the showup. 2. The date, time, and location of the showup. B. Information to help identify the level of confidence expressed by the witness: 1. Whether an identification was made. 2. The witness’ response and exact words made by a witness during the showup. 3. Any nonverbal communication or action of the witness during the showup. 4. The reason or basis for any deviation from these guidelines. V. PHYSICAL LINEUPS: Physical lineups necessitate the consideration of specific legal requirements. Should an officer wish to conduct a physical lineup, the City Attorney and State Attorney’s Office will be contacted prior to the lineup in order to set written guidelines that will be used for the lineup.