Facial composite images are created in criminal investigations by witnesses and victims of crime to allow police to identity those responsible. Considerable research has developed ways to interface with human memory, to produce the most effective facial image. The current project investigates a novel method to help people recognise these images, following on from previous research (e.g., Brown et al., 2019; Frowd et al., 2007, 2012, 2014). Here, a simple training exercise is being used to familiarise people with composites.
Primary goals and objectives
- Facilitating recognition of facial-composite images
- Development of optimal procedures for helping to solving crime
- Enhancement techniques for best forensic practice
Impact
Results to date show that, if there is good familiarity with the identities used in the training exercise, the ability to correctly name further composites (of different identities) is greatly improved. The research should improve correct identification rates of offenders in criminal investigations.
Related research projects
Helping the police to identify offenders using EvoFIT facial composites
In the fight against serious crime police forces worldwide are using advanced digital technology co-developed with the University’s forensic practitioners.
Friday 27 August 2021Investigating the effect of visual load on EvoFIT facial composites
The research programme is investigating the impact of presentation of faces to eyewitnesses during construction of EvoFIT facial composites.
Strategies for evolving identifiable facial composite images
This programme of research investigates the best strategies to use when evolving a face from long-term memory using holistic facial-composite systems.
Enhancing the effectiveness of facial-composite images
The aim of this programme of research is to understand how to produce more identifiable facial composites by enhancing internal facial features (i.e., the eyes, mouth) using a holistic composite system.
Using detailed environmental recall to enhance facial-composite images
The programme of research aims to improve the effectiveness of facial composites by recalling the environment in which a face was seen, which allows a witness to construct the face of an offender more effectively.
Self-administered procedures for constructing identifiable facial composites
Our research focuses on techniques that allow police to identity suspects through use of composite images produced by witnesses and victims of crime.
