NCJ Number
221144
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 34 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2007 Pages: 76,78,80,83
Date Published
November 2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article briefly examines the accuracy of forensic composite imaging.
Abstract
It is critical to remember that a facial composite gives investigators “a direction but it is not the nail in the coffin, there is additional evidence like DNA or fingerprints.” It narrows down the suspect, but it is not the finalized tool to arrest someone. Numerous factors affect the accuracy of eyewitness composites: a delay following the event, exposure time to the subject, target distinctiveness, emotion, and stress all play an important role in the composite produced. Whether manual or computerized, composites depend on verbal descriptions that are not always accurate. There is concern in the research field because of the potentially negative consequences of a bad composite. A bad composite can lead an investigation astray and produce wrongful convictions. This article explores the flaws in the facial composite process, computerized versus manual composites, and the need for further research.