NCJ Number
156341
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 45 Issue: 4 Dated: (July- August 1995) Pages: 381-395
Date Published
1995
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Composite images of faces were produced using four methods and presented to 528 study participants in Canada and Washington, D.C., to determine if one method produced significantly better results than the others.
Abstract
The four methods were freehand sketch, mechanical features assembly composites (e.g., Identi-Kit), computer photo image software, and computer sketch image software. These four methods are commonly used by police agencies to create likenesses, usually to narrow the number of suspects by eliminating those with dissimilar features. The research involved four photospreads created from four sets containing eight photographs each. One photo from each photospread was chosen as the individual for identification. A law enforcement composite artist, a kit operator, and a computer operator created the composite images. The participants included 264 men and 264 women from a broad cross-section of socioeconomic and ethnic groups. Results revealed that all the methods had similar success rates and that law enforcement agencies can feel comfortable with a competent composite specialist who uses any of the four, or combination of the four, methods of completing a facial composite. Figures, tables, and 4 references (Author abstract modified)