On March 3, 2014, NBC news reporter Erik Ortiz published an online news article titled: ‘Dying Art?’: Forensic Artists Face a Digital Future. The article highlights the struggle between traditional forensic artists and software programs that create composite images. This subject is one that law enforcement has long struggled with. That’s because for years, a shortage of trained forensic artists forced them to use software programs that left them unsatisfied. But, in the absence of a well-trained forensic artist, it was all they had.
Today that’s changed. There are more trained forensic artists available for them to choose from. But alternatively, there is also better technology solutions for them to choose from. With the downturn in the economy, law enforcement has been forced once again to seek out less costly technology solutions to fight crime. One solution that is become increasingly popular with law enforcement is SketchCop FACETTE Face Design System, a facial composite software program that allows its users to create sketch-like composites that rival the work of many practicing forensic artists, for less the cost.
n his article, Ortiz does a great job of examining both perspectives, providing the reader with a fair and balanced view of the topic. From the outset though, it is obvious that forensic artists have a narrow view of the reality that with diminishing budgets, law enforcement must leverage the best available technology to fight crime. Training a qualified forensic artist is expensive, acquiring good technology and keeping up with it, not so much. Especially where creating composite images is concerned. I was quoted in the article about my thoughts on technology versus the forensic artist, especially where SketchCop FACETTE was concerned. And while I don’t believe the ‘art’ is dying, I do believe it is evolving.
It is evolving because great software programs like SketchCop FACETTE allow more people to get involved in the process of creating composite images. What was once exclusive to forensic artists, is now available to a wider audience of law enforcement personnel. Those who possess good communication skills, along with basic computer knowledge, are perfect candidates for using our software. With SketchCop FACETTE, they can create composite images that are every bit as effective as those created by a forensic artist. With advanced computer skills, or even elementary art skills, users can push the software further. This makes SketchCop FACETTE attractive to many law enforcement agencies who are seeking a cost-effective solution to creating composite images.
Another attractive reason for using SketchCop FACETTE is SketchCop Solutions’ dedication to offering quality training and support. The software and training was created by one the country’s most experienced police sketch artists. SketchCop Solutions’ extensive background in the field of facial imaging allows our law enforcement clients to take advantage of our field experience.
As a forensic artist myself, I don’t believe that I will ever become obsolete. My role may change, but because I possess other valuable skills that aid law enforcement, there will always be room for both pencils and pixels. For now though, I am excited to be leading the evolution of how composite images are created with SketchCop FACETTE.
To learn more, go to our Contact Page to request your demo version of SketchCop FACETTE.
To read Erik Ortiz’s article click on the link: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/dying-art-forensic-sketch-artists-face-digital-future-n41421
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