Certified Protection Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

What term describes a witness's mental image of a suspect expressed in words?

1. Suspect description

2. Portrait parle

3. Witness statement

4. Composite drawing

The correct answer is: Portrait parle

The term that accurately describes a witness's mental image of a suspect expressed in words is "portrait parle." This term refers specifically to the verbal representation of what a witness believes the suspect looks like, based on their own observations and memory. It is an important tool in criminal investigations, as it allows law enforcement to gather detailed descriptions that may help identify or locate a suspect. While other terms like "suspect description" might seem relevant, they generally encompass a broader category of descriptions that could include physical features, clothing, or behavior rather than focusing solely on the witness's mental image conveyed through language. A "witness statement" typically refers to a broader account of what the witness observed, which may not be limited to merely how the suspect looked. Meanwhile, a "composite drawing" is a visual representation usually created by artists or forensic specialists based on information provided by witnesses, which is different from expressing that mental image purely in words. Therefore, "portrait parle" is the term that specifically captures the essence of a witness articulating their subjective image of a suspect.