NCJ Number
139519
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 40 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1992) Pages: 50-54
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Forensic art is a useful tool in criminal investigations and can be produced through a variety of systems, including the training of police officers with no specific talent or prior experience in art.
Abstract
Composite imagery is the most common form of forensic art. It can be produced from freehand drawing, a mechanical assembly kit, a computer-generated image, or some combination of these systems. Each system has strengths and weaknesses. The Smith and Wesson Identi-Kit is probably the most widely used kit system. The QMA corporation has developed a computer system that can be used for composites, photo lineups, the aging of adult suspects, image enhancement, and suspect file searches. The FBI Academy and other institutions offer courses that assume artistic talent in participants. However, one successful training course assumes no artistic skills. It teaches facial features, composite drawing, and interview skills to law enforcement personnel regardless of drawing ability. First offered by North Idaho College in February 1988, the 40-hour course is now taught in four states. Course participants have achieved many successes in creating drawings that led to suspect identification. The Forensic Art Subcommittee of the International Association for Identification aims to develop guidelines and standards for forensic artists. List of four organizations from which to obtain more information