NCJ Number
106695
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 35 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1987) Pages: 61-63
Date Published
1987
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the features and benefits of computerized construction of suspect and wanted person's sketches.
Abstract
'Compusketch' combines and creates over 100,000 facial features in response to pressing a button. One feature quickly falls over another until the composite is complete. The positioning of features in relation to one another is unlimited, and the refinement of images is by electronic 'paint box' techniques. The image is printed out for leaflets or wanted posters within an hour of interviewing the eyewitness. The system is dependent on a comprehensive, structured interview with witnesses that helps them recall critical suspect features through the use of nonsuggestive queries. Operators without artistic skill can be easily and quickly trained to create a sketch from an interview. Advantages over a manual sketch kit include a larger battery of features, less confusion for the witness, less training for officers, quicker sketch creation, and retention of the sketch in the computer for subsequent modification. Advantages over the police artist are primarily speed and availability. A complete system costs $6,995. If an agency already owns the computer, the software and program sells for $3,500.