Chicago Police Department (CPD) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The primary purpose of conducting a show-up is to bring witnesses to view the offender shortly after a crime has occurred. This method allows law enforcement to quickly gauge whether a witness can identify the suspect, enhancing the likelihood of accurate identification while the event is still fresh in their mind. This immediacy helps to reduce the possibility of misidentification, which can occur over time or through other identification processes.

In a show-up, the suspect is presented to the witness in a controlled environment, often at or near the crime scene, facilitating a faster and more accurate eyewitness account. This method is crucial for building a case, as eyewitness testimony can play a significant role in the prosecution of a suspect. The intention is not primarily focused on gathering physical evidence or conducting an arrest at that moment, nor is it aimed at investigating prior criminal activities. Instead, it provides an opportunity for witnesses to confirm or deny the identity of a suspect based on their recollection of the crime.