If asked would you take part in an Identity parade?

[magsberry98]

This afternoon I was out in the town centre where I live and I was approached by 2 officers which took me by surprise, who told me I look like or at least fitted the description of a female who committed an incident recently in the town centre.

I was then asked if I would have any objections in taking part in an identity parade tomorrow evening.

Of course I had nothing to hide so I agreed to it though naturally I do not know what to expect etc and never been in that position.

Of course as a crime was committed and I would like to do my bit for society.

Updates

+1 y

Spoke to my Sis and she thinks it is nothing to worry of - I tend to agree though wondering in a way now if I am doing the right thing if I go

Updates

+1 y

Well not long got back in and all done now. Was a bit nervous about it all. After a bit of waiting about and the odd bit of paperwork I was taken into a room with the other females and phew I wasn't picked. Glad it is all over now.

[BipBipLeddus]

I wish I had reassuring words for you, but unfortunately victims of crimes rarely remember the face of the perpetrator. Which means that you're essentially participating in a crap shoot.

But hey, could be worse: you could be participating in a crap chute.

[magsberry98]

So it could be risky then?

[BipBipLeddus]

People don't have the mental process of "I need to memorize details" during a traumatic event unless they've been mentally prepared for it.

You're going to be at the mercy of what a panicked mind remembers.

If you are chosen out of a lineup then there's going to be an investigation, at which point your name will be cleared.

[magsberry98]

I understand what you mean yes, there s a possibility I could be picked out and need to prepare myself should that happen

[anon171999]

No. My time is valuable. I don't commit crimes so there's no reason for me to show up there. If they paid me, I'd probably go.

[magsberry98]

I haven't committed a crime either, my initial thought though was if I didn't it may look suspicious like had something to hide. And I think they do pay you yes

[Anonymous]

As a general question: I would decline everytime, because my identity does not define who I am as a person.

If in your shoes: I would also decline. Because as another responder said: People rarely remember faces of those who commit crimes and all you would be doing is putting yourself at risk of being a target, whether up front or possibly later. It's just the way it is and people are unfortunately irredeemable assholes.

[magsberry98]

Know what you mean yes, would be worried though after already agreeing to it that if I didn't it would arouse suspicions that I had something to hide

[ChrisMaster69]

I have been in a few lol.

the local police used to (and likely still do) get ‘volunteers’ from local air base where I worked..

We would be told they need x number of guys height xx hair colour yy, etc.

[magsberry98]

What were they actually like?

[ChrisMaster69]

Fine, bit nervous first one.
After that it was not a problem.
Obviously they knew we were not involved and just used for numbers.

[magsberry98]

Feeling bit nervous about it too yes

[Leonharted]

If they aren't asking you for an alibi or anything, then you are not considered the main suspect, so you have nothing to worry about.

[magsberry98]

No they haven't asked for any alibi, thinking I must have been pulled at random

[slatyb]

Hell no. What if someone picks me? The consequences could be severe. Call a lawyer before you do this. It can’t be good for you.

[magsberry98]

Probably the reason I agreed to it is I have nothing to hide and also thought they may have an idea who they looking for already and just routine thing

[slatyb]

That’s naive. This is serious and there’s nothing for you to gain.

[magsberry98]

So u think I should not go then?

[slatyb]

I would not without talking to a lawyer.

[slatyb]

I AM NOT A LAWYER, just wary being involved with the police.

If you are in the US, you might also check the ACLU web site.

[anylolone]

Yes. I didn't knew that was a name for it.
But yeah. I'd participate in perp identification.

[magsberry98]

Yes I know I should do

[Anonymous]

No I would be too scared to, brave of you and well done for going though with it though

[Drumlin2001]

How much do I get paid?

[magsberry98]

Well they will pay for me it when I do

[Drumlin2001]

If it's worth my while I'd do it.

[magsberry98]

I said I would anyway

[boobliker]

not freely

[ThebestIndian]

Nothing to worry of.