What should be carefully documented during a lineup?

The documentation of comments and non-verbal communication or actions during a lineup is crucial for several reasons. These elements can provide insights into the witness's perceptions and thought processes, which are important for the overall context of the investigation. For example, a witness's hesitation, body language, or specific statements can indicate their level of confidence in their identification, as well as any potential influence or distractions present during the lineup.

Capturing this information can assist in assessing the reliability of the identification process and may reveal patterns of behavior that could affect the outcome of the case. Additionally, documenting non-verbal cues can be vital in court as it provides a fuller picture of the witness's experience and reliability, potentially influencing how testimony is presented and interpreted.

While other aspects such as photographic evidence, witness location, and a timeline of events are important in criminal investigations and provide valuable context, the immediate reactions and communications of the witness during a lineup can critically impact the perception of the identification’s validity. Thus, careful documentation of these non-verbal and verbal cues is considered essential in maintaining an objective record of the identification process.