Facial composite

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A facial composite is a graphical presentation of an eyewitness's memory of a face, as recorded by a composite artist. Facial composites are used mainly by police forces in dealing with crime, generally in investigating serious crime cases.

[edit] Methods of facial composite construction

Construction of the composite can be made by sketching and painting, by software or by use of transparent templates, e.g., Smith & Wesson Identi-Kit, the latter being used less in the recent years as it is being supplanted by Smith & Wesson's own Identi-Kit software product. In the U.S., the FBI maintains that hand-drawing is the correct method to construct a facial composite. However, many police agencies use software, since developed artistic talent is often not available. The most popular software in the U.S. is FACES. In the UK, E-FIT is used and has become synonymous with the term facial composite.

[edit] Use of facial composites

While the classic use of the facial composite is the citizen recognizing the face as an acquaintance, there are other ways where a facial composite can prove useful. The facial composite can contribute in law enforcement in the following ways:

1. Identifying the suspect in a wanted poster.
2. Additional evidence against a suspect.^{[citation needed]}
3. Assisting investigation in checking leads.
4. Warning vulnerable population against serial offenders.

[edit] Notable cases

Some important cases where facial composites assisted in identifying the perpetrator:

1. The Oklahoma Bomber Timothy McVeigh.
2. Hagamannen serial sexual assaulter in Sweden.
3. The Baton Rouge Serial Killer Derrick Todd Lee.