What is the purpose of a "show up" in law enforcement?

The purpose of a "show up" in law enforcement is to allow a victim or witness to immediately identify a suspect shortly after an incident has occurred. This procedure typically takes place shortly after the crime, providing an opportunity for a quick identification process. The immediacy aims to ensure reliability in the identification, as the witness may still have a clear memory of the suspect's appearance, which can aid in the investigative process and help law enforcement determine if they have the right individual.

By allowing the victim to see a single individual suspected of involvement in the crime, law enforcement can increase the chances of a correct identification while minimizing the potential for misidentification that can occur in more complex lineup situations involving multiple suspects.