Which criterion should be matched in a sequential display to reduce bias?

• A. Similar age and physical characteristics
• B. Different ages and very different heights
• C. All photos must be booking photos
• D. Random order must be avoided

Answer: (A)

Matching the fillers to the suspect’s age and physical characteristics helps minimize bias in a sequential lineup. When every option looks similar in age, height, and build, the witness’s choice is guided by who most resembles the offender, not by traits that stand out as obviously different. If the lineup included photos with very different ages or heights, a witness might be swayed by those obvious disparities rather than by genuine similarity to the suspect. Booking photos aren’t ideal because they often don’t reflect the person’s current appearance, and order should be randomized to avoid order effects, not avoided.