Holistic facial composite systems: Implementation and evaluation

A facial composite is a likeness to a suspect’s face based on an eyewitness’s memory. Systems for constructing composites previously involved piecing together individual facial features. However, holistic (whole face), model based, composite construction has now become the most prevalent method used in the UK, as it more effectively matches the manner in which humans process faces. Here we describe the basic mechanism for generating holistic composite images and report on their effectiveness as a tool for locating suspects. Additional post-construction composite-enhancement methods such as morphing and perceptual stretch are also described. An accumulating body of empirical and field evidence has demonstrated that correct culprit identification rates are enhanced, and misidentification risks reduced, by the effective use of holistic composite systems in combination with post-construction techniques