Research
Construction of identifiable facial composite images is vital for effective policing. Considerable research has indicated the importance of recognition type systems for constructing facial images from eyewitness memory (Frowd, 2021). We have been developing the EvoFIT facial-composite system for over 20 years, shaping each stage of the process from initial interview, composite system to methods for enhancing recognition (e.g., Brown et al., 2019, 2020; Fodarella et al., 2017; Frowd et al., 2006, 2010, 2012, 2015; Martin et al., 2018; Skelton et al., 2019).
Given the important forensic need for effective databases for holistic composite systems (e.g., Frowd et al., 2006; Richardson et al., 2020), the current project explores how best these models should be created and formally assessed for reliability. The project focuses on construction of white Caucasian faces in the UK and Sweden.
Primary goals and objectives
- Reliability analysis for construction of holistic face databases
- Formal description of procedures for forensic image creation
- Enhancement techniques for best forensic practice
Impact
The project provides a framework of forensic procedures, a ‘gold’ standard, for production of effective models for holistic face construction.
Related research projects
Investigating 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.
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 2021Enhancing 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.
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.
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.
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.
