b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
Technology Related to Facial
Identification
Dr Derek Carson
University of Abertay
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
Photofit – UK
1970’s -Penry
The face is no more than the sum of its parts.
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
Modern Systems• Computer based
• Electronic Facial Identification Technique (E-Fit). /Pro-fit.
• Benefits:Huge exemplar database
Viewed in contextEasier manipulation
Different Race DatabasesNo lines
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
E-fit Procedure• Stage 1 -Verbal Description - Cognitive Interview.
• Stage 2. Aberdeen Index.
• Stage 3. Choosing best exemplarSizing
Positioning
• Stage 4. Use of paint package – artistic enhancement.
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
Bruce et al. (2000)
• Morphed composite was always identified as well as the best individual likeness.
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
Recent Advances
The evolution of new technologies?
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
More Holistic Systems
• Evo-Fit – Dr Charlie Frowd – University of LancasterProfessor Peter Hancock – University of
Stirling Professor Vicki Bruce- University of Newcastle
• Efit-V - Dr Chris Solomon – University of Kent at Cantebury.
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
Current Pilot Testing
• Lancashire Constabulary.
• Derbyshire Constabulary.
• Northumbrian Constabulary.
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
Recent Developments – Evo-FitSimultaneous versus sequential presentation.
Time taken to make decisions.
Standard versus tailored models.
Potential role for caricaturing?
Vulnerable witnesses?
Colour? 3 D capabilities?
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
CCTV and Facial Mapping
Is it a Panacea?
Forensic Trail evidence – Locard’s Exchange Principle – every contact leaves a trace.
The image can be replayed and viewed by the arbiters of fact- the judge and jury.
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAYBurton, Wilson, Cowan & Bruce (1999).
Stills taken from University of Glasgow Psychology Department.
Stimuli were the lecturing staff.
10 male and 10 female non-posed.
Subjects were: 20 psychology students.
20 non psychology students.
20 police officers (13.5 years of service).
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
Each subject shown 10 video clips X 2.
At test shown 20 high quality images.
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
Facial Mapping Techniques• Comparison of two images – obvious limitations due to quality of
footage.
• Heads must be at similar angle.
• Comparison not based on numeric distance but of relative similarities.
• Role for statistics pertaining to the prevalence of a particular feature in a given population.
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
Facial Mapping Techniques• Exculpatory evidence can be presented if marked unexplained
differences are apparent.
• Similarity does not indicate identity unless the presence of unique identifiers can be established.
• Significance of similarity must be taken into account to support other types of evidence.
b r e a k i n g b a r r i e r s
UNIVERSITY OF ABERTAY
• Church V HMA [1996] Scots Law
• Requirement for corroboration.
• ¾ eyewitnesses provided positive ID
• Quality of footage disputed. At appeal two experts noted significant differences.
• R v Loveridge [2001]
• Consent from suspect is generally required for comparison footage.