MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

True or False. Officers are not allowed to use photos from a suspect's social media for a photo lineup (6 pack).

1. True

2. False

3. Only under certain conditions

4. It depends on the type of crime

The correct answer is: False

Using photos from a suspect's social media for a photo lineup, commonly referred to as a "six pack," is generally permissible under certain conditions. Law enforcement agencies often utilize available technology and resources, including social media, to gather information and compile identification lineups. The key consideration is that the photographs used must be fair and representative, ensuring that the suspect does not stand out in a way that would bias the eyewitness. Moreover, the photos need to meet specific legal standards, such as being current and accurately portraying the individuals to avoid misleading witnesses. As long as these criteria are adhered to, using social media images can be considered a valid practice in conducting photo lineups. There may be some limitations and best practices around the use of social media images, but broadly, the assertion that officers are categorically not allowed to use these images is incorrect. Therefore, the proper understanding is that they can be utilized, making the statement false.