Creating a Composite Sketch
MATERIALS NEEDED BUT NOT PROVIDED
- FACES composite Software, version 4.0 EDU
- Computer(s) (preferable with printer)
OBJECTIVES
- Become familiar with interviewing techniques used by investigators
- Exercise observational and memory skills
- Utilize verbal skills to describe a suspect’s physical appearance
- Utilize FACES software technology to render a representative facial composite
Composite Interview Process
One of the goals of this lesson is for students to have the opportunity to go through a process similar to the one investigators use to interview a witness, obtain a physical description of the suspect, and develop a composite.
A witness’s ability to recall and describe a suspect’s appearance can be enhanced through interview techniques. It is important for the witness to be relaxed and for the interview to be conducted without interruption or distraction. Some interview suggestions are outlined in the lab procedures below.
Police will often also use a “cognitive” interview approach to improve memory recall. The cognitive approach takes the witness back to the day of the incident – or even the day before the incident – asking the witness to describe what was happening, what they were doing, bringing them gradually up to the time of the criminal incident. The interviewer may ask questions such as what the scene looked like, what it smelled like, and encourage the witness to relive the incident, and bring the suspect back to mind clearly and vividly. Then ask about general physical characteristics of the suspect and finally, specific facial features.