On-the-scale identification of a suspect by the victim or witness within minutes of a crime is called _____.

• A. Evidence
• B. Prejudice
• C. Modus Operandi
• D. Field Identification

Answer: (D)

Identifying a suspect by a victim or witness at the scene or in its immediate vicinity within minutes of the crime is field identification. This rapid identification is used to quickly confirm who may be involved and to guide immediate investigative actions, such as pursuing a lead or detaining a person of interest. It differs from evidence, which is any data or information used to prove something in court; prejudice, which is bias that can cloud memory or perception; and modus operandi, which describes the offender’s characteristic method of committing crimes. In practice, field identification may take forms like a quick show-up at the scene or a brief lineup, focused on getting a fast, actionable identification while still recognizing the need for careful procedures to minimize misidentification.