Identi-Kit
®
“Your Partner in Investigations since 1959”
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit.Net
Training for Criminal Justice
Faculty
Presented by:
John Corder
Certified Identi-Kit Trainer
ITT Technical Institute CJ Program
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Contact Information
Toll Free:
Direct:
Fax:
866-414-9286
480-682-3820
480-483-9275
Email:
Web:
feedback@identikit.net
http://www.identikit.net/contact.php
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit Stats
• Identi-Kit is the oldest and most widely used
facial composite tool employed by professional
investigators.
– Established in 1959
– Currently in use by more than 1000 LEA’s in
the US and Canada, including:
• State Police of NY, NSA, FBI, US Army in Iraq,
MIT, Harvard
– Sold in Europe, Asia and Latin America
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•
1955 – Original Identi-Kit is created
•
1959 – Smith & Wesson begins marketing Identi-Kit
•
1968 – Smith & Wesson purchases Identi-Kit
•
•
“The box that catches criminals”
To create a new version and enlarge distribution
•
1989 – Dos version is released – Could Run Windows DOS 3.1
•
1993 – Identi-Kit III version 2.1
•
1997 – Identi-Kit 2000 version is released
•
2003 – Identi-Kit.Net is developed
•
2004 – January .Net is released to the public
•
2005 - March Complete integration of Identi-Kit.Net & CD v6.0
•
•
•
•
•
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The start of the “computer composite” age
“Identi-Kit 2000” Improved user interface- stilled loved by many today
“The worlds first web based composite tool”
“Put your suspects online where everyone can see them”
Automatic Library Updates via the web
Greatly enhanced Graphic Interface
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“Your Partner in Investigations since 1959”
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Integrated Solutions
Identi-Kit.Net
Identi-Kit CD
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
The power of Facial Composite Software
• Utilizes an Investigative Wizard to generate an
initial, complete facial composite.
• Library contains over 1200 components
organized into 13 categories.
• Capable of producing over 5 billion unique facial
composites.
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
• “Composite Images” refer to images produced
form component parts with assistance of witness
input.
• Composites are not:
– Based on combination of photographs
– Reconstructions based on a skull (e.g. forensic
reconstruction)
– Postmortem drawings
– Child age progressions
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Identi-Kit
®
Examples
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30 year old white male with mustache and long hair
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22 year old white male with mustache, beard and darker complextion
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28 year old black male, bald with mustache and beard
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52 year old black male, very curly hair, and defined age lines
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24 year old black male, very curly hair, and defined age lines
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Suspect Memory
• The role of “memory” is crucial in creation of
composite.
– Certain faces are simply easier to describe
– More distinctive = More recognizable
• Research indicates that memory tends to encode
faces as a “whole”
– Initial composite presented to witness should be a
complete sketch
– Recall is less precise when parts of face are displayed
in isolation
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
• In laboratory tests, use of facial “cues” aided
witness recall and improved composites.
A witness may remember a part of the face in
detail but still recognize the face better as a whole.
• Most effective composites have characteristic of
replicating “proportions” of the actual face.
– Identi-Kit sizing algorithm maintains proportionality
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
• Sketch quality of composite is more effective than
photo realistic image
– Superfluous detail stifles interpretation
– Photo quality precision suggests an absolute identity
– If recall is imperfect, extra detail may be misleading
• In most cases, addition of color does not improve
effectiveness of composite
– Emphasis on color can distract witness
– Recognition more closely linked to tonal variation and
proportion
– Added complexity and cost of reproduction
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
•
“Sketch Quality in a composite has always offered one key advantage
over photo detail… one is forced to apply a very fruitful margin of
interpretation…superfluous detail defeats the purpose of the
composite.
“ In a photographic composite, precise details may result in a product
which precisely suggests an absolute identity. This tempts the viewer
to interpret what the composite is trying to say very narrowly, thereby
leaving may potential stones unturned in the investigation.”
–
•
“Composite Art: General Principles for Man and Machine,” Tom Macris, San Jose PD
“Using color may add confusion to the interview situation. No
evidence suggests addition of color to composite images results in
greater recognition value.”
–
Forensic Art and Illustration, Karen Taylor, CRC Press, 2001
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
• Social Dynamics of the Cognitive Interview
– Develop rapport and personalize the interview
– Encourage witness to be active participant
– Promote extensive and detailed responses with open
ended questions
– Recreate original context of the event
• Witness may remember events out of sequence
– Work with them to step through the scene step by step
• Use caution in cases involving a highly traumatic event
– Encourage partial answers or information
– Use varied retrieval approaches
• Sound, apparel, voice, smell…
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
The power of “Identification by Elimination”
The Identi-Kit Purpose and Concept
The purpose of the Identi-Kit is to enable you to make a composite likeness
of a person from a verbal description given to you by a victim or witness.
Ideally, this likeness will resemble the person being described closely enough so that
every person who does not look like the composite can be eliminated as an immediate
suspect. In other words, the composite narrows the field of suspects to those who
resemble the composite likeness. For example, if the composite likeness of the suspect
shows a person with a full head of hair, then completely bald suspects are potentially
eliminated. Don’t fall prey to claims that the likeness does not look exactly like the
suspect. It is not designed to. It is designed to give you some immediate direction so
that you can look for certain facial characteristics right away (and eliminate
others).
Reprint from: Identi-Kit Manual © - A System of Modern Day Visual Identification – Lesson One
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Objective of “Investigation by Elimination”
• Goal is to obtain a good likeness to individual in question
• Individuals who do not have similar attributes can be eliminated
• Do not fall prey to claims that the composite does not look “exactly”
like the suspect
“If we find an individual who has similar characteristics as this sketch
would you want us to stop him and ask their whereabouts at the time
of the crime?”
And If so, “If we find an individual who has similar characteristics, would
you like to take a look at them in a lineup to determine we have the
right person?”
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit
®
Investigation by Elimination
Demonstration
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
The effectiveness of a composite is
dependent on Accurate Facial Proportions
image by Worsley School of Art
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit offers a tool of two
vertical lines to help the
operator contemplate the
balance and proportional
reference of facial features.
The lines are found in the
Identifying Marks or “ID Marks”
Category
These are offered for operator
assistance only, but can be a
valuable tool for learning and
application
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Be Sensitive to the Witness Angle of View
•
•
•
•
•
Noses and Chins are distorted and proportionally
larger if viewed from below (e.g. a short victim
viewing a relatively tall suspect or a child viewing
an adult).
Eyes may appear squinted from certain angles
but may in fact be round when viewed directly.
Hair may appear to be receding but when viewed
directly may appear more full.
Shading can also play into a persons recall –
The “Flip” and “Shade” feature in Identi-Kit allows
the operator to experiment with an opposite angle
of view or alter shading to achieve the best
results.
images by Artlist Collection “THE DOG”
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit
®
The .Net Application
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit
®
The .Net Application
- System Architecture -
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Understanding the “Web Application” architecture
Identi-Kit.net
ITT Campus
Architecture
Identi-Kit Data Center
Agency
Access
Storage & App
Identi-Kit Solutions
SWAT
Maintenance
SWAT Data Center
Identi-Kit Solutions
Dedicated CJ Program Server
http://itt.identikit.net/
SWAT
Application
Back Office
Application
Server
Agency
Administrator
ITT Instructor
HT
HTTP
L
- XM
-X
M
L
P
HTT
TP
Creates a Sketch
Adds Agencies
HT
Identi-Kit
User
Back Office
Application
Adds Users
Monitors Usage
Identi-Kit
Flash Client
Identi-Kit
Flash Client
SWAT
User
Database
Identi-Kit
User
Performs a Search
Identi-Kit
Solutions
Administrator
TP
Identi-Kit
Database
SWAT
Administrator
Identi-Kit Solutions Administrator
For Security Cannot:
• See User Passwords
• Access Composites
But Do:
• Offer Tech Support
• Provide Password Reset Tool
• Maintain Security and Systems
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Benefits of the Identi-Kit System Architecture
• Password Integrity
• Account Integrity
• Internet Hosted Application
• Worldwide Access to Account and Cases
• Export Capabilities for Local Backup and
Portability
• Security – SSL Certificates provide Full 128-bit
encryption (https:)
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit
®
The .Net Application
- Login & BackOffice-
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Lets Login!
Sign In
Identi-Kit’s Criminal Justice Server is located @ http://cj.identikit.net
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Lost Password Procedure
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Student –
Start Page
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Student –
My Account
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Identi-Kit
®
The .Net Application
- Start .Net Application-
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Student &
Faculty–
Click
“Identi-Kit.Net”
Under navigation
to start the
.Net application
*Note –
Name and Email
must be filled in on
My Account screen to
start the application
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Student & Faculty–
.Net Main Menu
*Note – This is a Pop-up
window and all pop-up
blockers must be
deactivated or have
Identikit.net added as a
trusted site.
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit
®
The .Net Application
- Interview Wizard -
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
The Interview Wizard
prompts you through the basic
interview options for a quick
first effort composite
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Investigation Interview Wizard
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Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Recap of the Interview Wizard and techniques
• Once you have completed the Interview Wizard let the witness
know you have created a “First Effort” composite
(The witness should not see the first effort composite until you have
set their expectations)
•Explain the “First Effort” composite is to spur conversation of
changes that need to be made. You merely want their reaction to
the overall likeness (or lack thereof) to know where to start
•Discuss the most obvious thing on the composite that needs
changing and start there
•The witness will react to one feature and in the majority of cases
this is the feature the recall the best.
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit
®
The .Net Application
- Workspace Screen Layout -
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Identi-Kit.Net Screen Layout
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Student &
Faculty–
“Browse for
replacement”
Used to select
different features
*Note –
This is a Pop-up
window and all pop-up
blockers must be
deactivated or have
Identikit.net added as
a trusted site.
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit
®
The .Net Application
- Classroom Exercises &Tips-
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
The Facts
Thursday 7pm – A white male enters the Shop-N-Go at
4th and Washington and commits armed robbery.
The suspect was approximately 6 foot tall and wearing
a hooded sweatshirt. He had short slightly curly hair
and was thought to be approximately 22 years of age.
He had a tattoo of a heart on his left forearm.
The suspect drove away in a White SUV with chrome
wheels. He was accompanied by a young female
approximately 20 years of age. The witness could not
see the woman well enough for a composite but she is
believed to be of Caucasian race with mid-length
Brown hair.
The suspect was armed and violent - Approach with
extreme caution.
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Now the class creates a composite
• This can be done as a group or individually as the teacher prefers
• Another exercise that has proven useful is to have an individual
come into the class, interrupt the teacher (Speak to them or possibly
take something from their desk/podium, or disrupt the class in some
way). Once the suspect has left discuss their appearance and create
a composite of them. Discuss the likeness and elimination
techniques used.
• If individuals create their own composite compare details that were
captured and likeness to the individual and differences of
interpretation and angle of view.
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit Tips and Tricks
• Bracketing technique
– Purposely exaggerate features (large/small, position, etc.)
to aid witness recall and find the correct ratio and position
• Where to find unique attributes such as cleft of the chin, lines,
and how to rotate and layer feature attributes
• Techniques for drawing women –
– Shade techniques
– Eyes and eyebrows
– Smaller features
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Recap Key Features & Functions
• Help file – Searchable Help Content
• Blue dashed Box – Scalable, Movable, Right
Clickable
• Use the mouse to drag (move) and handlebars to
resize features
• Browser Bar or Inventory Window to allow easy
search of feature graphics
• Export to graphics file Wanted Poster or
composite
• Wanted Poster – with customizable fields
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Items purposely left out of Identi-Kit
• Piercing – Can be removed
• Large identifiable tattoo’s – Can be described and noted
on Wanted Poster
• Color – Research indicates best results from Grayscale
• Unique Hats, Clothing, etc.
A case is typically not solved by identifying someone on a
hat they have worn or insignificant details. Focus on the
attributes that set this person apart.
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Don’t forget - Lost Password Procedure
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Thank you for your time and using Identi-Kit!
John Corder
Smith & Wesson Identi-Kit Solutions
Director, Sales and Training
Certified Trainer
“Your Partner in Investigations since 1959”
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit Don'ts
• Never do a composite
AFTER a photo spread
has been shown.
• Do not do a composite in
an area where the victim
can be distracted.
• Do not show pictures or
color components to the
witness to help create the
composite unless
absolutely necessary.
• Do not rush a composite;
if you are unsure and the
witness does not feel
comfortable with the
image, take your time and
approach the composite
from a different
perspective or facial
feature.
• Do not ask leading
questions.
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Identi-Kit Do’s
• Set aside enough time to
do the composite. (Many
agencies set aside two
hours minimum)
• Read statement of victim
or witness.
• Try and make the victim
or witness feel
comfortable with you.
• Work on one feature at a
time.
• Use a simple grading
system to test accuracy
(1-10 as an example)
• Take notes; facts that
may come out during the
composite may not be
known at that point. Be
prepared to give a written
statement should this
occur.
• Look for commitment
from witness
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions
Additional Resources:
Book- “Forensic Art and Illustration” by Karen T. Taylor
ISBN: 0849381185
FBI review of Karen's book http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/jan2001/taister.htm
Training material and information- by the National Institute of Justice
“Eyewitness Evidence: A Guide for Law Enforcement”
Slides / Manual @ http://www.ncjrs.gov/nij/eyewitness/foreword.html
Plus other great resources on the searchable website.
Association / Web resource – International Association for Identification
http://www.theiai.org/
Web – FBI Forensic Science Communications (current and back issues)
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/current/index.htm
“Your Partner in Investigations since 1959”
Copyright © 2005 Identi-Kit Solutions