Which feature is part of minimizing lineup bias?

• A. Using a single suspect without fillers.
• B. Not documenting the lineup process.
• C. Ensuring double-blind administration, fair fillers, sequential or well-structured presentation, with clear instructions and documented procedures.
• D. Conducting the lineup with the investigator aware of who is the suspect.

Answer: (C)

Minimizing lineup bias relies on removing cues that could sway a witness and ensuring the lineup is fair to all possibilities. The best approach combines double-blind administration—where the person conducting the lineup does not know who the suspect is—with fair fillers who resemble the suspect and are plausible alternatives, a well-structured or sequential presentation, clear instructions, and documented procedures. This combination prevents the administrator from unintentionally signaling who to pick, reduces the chance of relative judgment by making each member comparable, and provides an auditable, repeatable process.

Using a single suspect without fillers creates a strong bias toward that individual and inflates identifications. Not documenting the lineup process eliminates accountability and makes it hard to review procedure for bias. Conducting the lineup with the investigator aware of the suspect enables cueing and undermines objectivity.