What is the standard number of lineup photos?

The standard number of lineup photos typically recommended in practice is between six to nine images. This range is considered optimal for ensuring that the identification process is both fair and effective. A lineup that contains too few photos may lead to confusion or wrongful identification, while too many can overwhelm the witness or victim and potentially dilute the effectiveness of the recognition task.

Having six to nine photos strikes a balance that provides sufficient options for the person making the identification while minimizing the cognitive load. This number also helps ensure that the actual suspect is not easily discernible or too prominent compared to the fillers, which could bias the results. This standard is widely accepted in law enforcement protocols, contributing to more reliable outcomes in eyewitness identification processes.