What is a "show-up" in the context of criminal investigations?

A "show-up" refers to a live appearance matching of a suspect with a witness. This procedure occurs shortly after a crime has been committed, allowing witnesses to identify a potentially guilty party in real-time. The primary goal of a show-up is to quickly ascertain if a suspect is indeed the person responsible for the crime, which helps law enforcement secure evidence and, if necessary, proceed with an arrest.

Show-ups are often conducted in a controlled environment where the suspect is presented to the witness in a manner that minimizes the risk of misidentification. This immediate feedback is crucial, as it can significantly impact the investigation's direction and the legal proceedings that follow.

In contrast, other options represent different methodologies or tools used in investigations, such as photographic arrays, which consist of images presented for identification rather than in-person sightings; interrogation techniques that focus on questioning suspects; and summary reports that compile findings from crime scenes rather than facilitating live identifications. Each of these serves a distinct purpose in the investigation process but does not align with the specific definition of a show-up.