A composite face is a graphical representation of a face created from the memories of one or more eyewitnesses, typically used in criminal investigations to help identify a suspect.
Essentially, it's a reconstructed image of a face, built piece by piece, based on descriptions provided by individuals who saw the person. These descriptions are then translated into a visual representation by a composite artist or specialized software.
Here's a breakdown of what makes up a composite face:
-
Memory as the Foundation: The composite is only as good as the memories of the witness(es). Factors like stress, viewing conditions, and the passage of time can impact the accuracy of these memories.
-
Reconstruction Process: The process usually involves:
- Interviewing the witness(es) to gather detailed descriptions of facial features (eyes, nose, mouth, chin, hair, etc.).
- Using a system, either traditional artist-led or computer-based, to assemble these features into a cohesive image. These systems often offer a library of facial components to choose from.
-
Purpose: The primary purpose of a composite face is to generate a lead for law enforcement. The composite is circulated to the public and within the police force, in hopes that someone will recognize the individual.
-
Examples of Composite Systems:
- Facial Identification System (FIS): A manual system used by artists.
- Computer-based systems: Software that allows witnesses to select and modify facial features from a database. Common examples include FACES and E-FIT.
It's important to note that composite faces are not perfect representations. They are approximations based on subjective recollections and should be used as a starting point for further investigation, not as definitive proof of identity.
