What is often the first step in executing a show up?

The first step in executing a show-up identification procedure is typically to communicate with the witnesses. This is crucial because the primary goal of a show-up is to establish whether the witnesses can correctly identify a suspect in a timely and efficient manner. Effective communication ensures that witnesses understand the process, feel comfortable, and are informed about what to expect. It can also help manage their expectations and reinforce their willingness to participate, which is vital for the reliability of the identification. Engaging with witnesses early on lays the groundwork for collecting accurate and meaningful identification information.

Selecting a location for the identification, while important, follows the initial communication with witnesses and is contingent on understanding their needs and ensuring their comfort during the process. Collecting fingerprints and arresting an offender are processes that may occur later in the investigation and are not directly related to the specific goal of conducting a show-up identification.