Chicago Police Department (CPD) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CPD Practice Questions and Study Guide

A show-up primarily relies on witness memory and recognition because it involves presenting a suspect to a witness shortly after a crime has occurred to determine if the witness can identify the suspect as the perpetrator. This process capitalizes on the fresh memory of the witness, as it occurs soon after the incident, which increases the likelihood of accurate identification.

Witness memory is crucial in this context; the immediacy of a show-up aims to supplement the witness's recollection of the suspect's appearance and behavior. The identification can be crucial for law enforcement to either confirm suspicion or rule someone out as a perpetrator.

In contrast, while physical evidence from the crime scene can provide context and support investigations, it does not play a direct role in the show-up procedure itself. Secure facilities for detention are important for maintaining custody of suspects, but they do not influence the effectiveness of witness identification. Similarly, law enforcement technology can aid in investigations but is not inherently related to the success of a show-up, which fundamentally hinges on human memory and perception.