What is a custodial lineup?

A custodial lineup refers specifically to a procedure where victims or witnesses attempt to identify a suspect who is already in police custody. This process is executed under controlled conditions to ensure that the identification is conducted fairly and to prevent any undue influence on the witnesses. During this identification, the person in custody is presented along with other individuals (fillers) to help the witness or victim make a determination about the suspect's identity.

This process is crucial in criminal investigations as it allows law enforcement to gather evidence of a suspect's involvement in a crime while ensuring that the rights of the individual in custody are respected. The integrity of the custodial lineup directly impacts the reliability of the identification made by witnesses, which can significantly influence the judicial process that follows.