Why & When To Create A Facial Composite
Investigators have many options used to identify unknown suspects. One is facial composites. Many times investigators call upon forensic artists as a means to check a box on an investigative checklist. Although investigators understand the value of facial composites, they don’t necessarily understand under what circumstances they should do one, or when to introduce the facial composite into their investigation. This further includes limitations on their eyewitness.
As an investigative resource, the forensic artist, should view themselves as a case consultant. Although it can be a slippery slope, (The forensic artist does not want to be seen as trying to tell investigators how to run their case.) there may be some things the forensic artist can suggest that investigators might not have considered.
In this course, students will examine why the forensic artist should create and facial composite and when it’s best to do so. This also includes eyewitness limitations that greatly affect the why and the when.
Our course, WHY & WHEN to Create a Facial Composite, is perfect for:
*Anyone who wants to learn the circumstances of WHY a facial composite should be done.
*Anyone wanting to increase their knowledge about using facial composites as an investigative tool.
*Forensic students who want to learn the strength & limitations of a facial composite as a way to complement other evidence they are evaluating.
*Law Enforcement/Forensic professionals who want to learn WHEN it’s a good decision to create a facial composite.
*Forensic Artists who want to review & reinforce their skills
*Material is suitable for beginners & those with previous experience
Those attending WHY & WHEN to Create a Facial Composite will view a narrated presentation and audio lecture that demonstrates and supports WHY & WHEN investigators should consider using a facial composite during an investigation. Handout materials are also provided.
Course instruction will include:
*WHY create a facial composite
*WHEN to create a facial composite
*Human and environmental elements to consider
*Thoughts on how to fill the role of case consultant
*Quiz
Your Instructor
(Ret.) Police Sergeant Michael W. Streed is an internationally-recognized forensic facial imaging expert based in Southern California. For 39 years, Michael has blended his rich law enforcement experience and artistic skills to provide forensic facial imaging services to some of the largest, most diverse, police agencies in the United States, including the Los Angeles and Baltimore City Police Departments. As Baltimore Police Department’ s first ever, full-time, Forensic Artist, Michael was tasked with establishing the Forensic Services Division’ s Forensic Facial Imaging Unit. He built the unit from the ‘ground up’ while managing one of the busiest forensic art caseloads in the country. Michael’s efforts were rewarded when his Forensic Facial Imaging Unit was the first-of-its-kind to receive ISO 17020 accreditation.
Michael’ s long and distinguished career as a forensic artist paralleled his law enforcement career. The experience he gained investigating violent crimes, sexual assaults and juvenile crime helped him develop highly-specialized interview skills which Michael adapted for his role as a police sketch artist. His unique perspective on eyewitnesses, coupled with strong communication skills, has made Michael one of Southern California’ s most sought after police sketch artists. Those same skills helped him develop successful police sketches in many high-profile cases such as: The Samantha Runnion murder, the Anthony Martinez murder, the Baton Rouge serial killer, and Orange County’ s (CA) Fortune Teller murder. Now, Michael is ready to pass along his knowledge to the next generation of forensic artists through his SketchCop® Online Academy.