Evolving an identifiable face of a criminal

Citation

Frowd CD, Skelton FC, Atherton CJ & Hancock PJB (2012) Evolving an identifiable face of a criminal. Psychologist, 25 (2), pp. 116-119. http://www.thepsychologist.org.uk/archive/archive_home.cfm?volumeID=25&editionID=210&ArticleID=1998

Abstract
How can we construct a suspect’s face that people, such as police officers and members of the public, can accurately name? Traditional methods involve witnesses selecting individual facial features, but this process has limitations when witnesses cannot recall an offender’s face in detail. EvoFIT was inspired by the natural processes of selection and breeding, but considerable work has been necessary for it to yield identifiable images. In particular, external features (ears, hair and neck) are a major source of distraction for constructors: blurring, or better still removing them entirely, greatly facilitates performance. Also, limiting recall or focusing on the holistic aspects of the face similarly promotes more identifiable images.

Journal
Psychologist: Volume 25, Issue 2