Police Sketch Artist Training
A forensic artist, more commonly called a police sketch artist, is an individual with the uniquely combined skills of law enforcement interrogation and composite drawing. When crimes have been committed, a police sketch artist interviews victims and witnesses, asking appropriate questions regarding the physical qualities of the perpetrator. Using this information, the artist creates a composite sketch, which is used to identify arrest and convict the criminal. The role of police sketch artist is an extremely challenging one, for forensic art requires an individual to master a variety of artistic techniques.
Other People Are Reading
-
Composite Art
-
Composite art is an artistic technique. It is marked by creating a single image from various individual parts. For instance, during the questioning of witnesses, one witness may describe the eyes of a perpetrator, while another may be extremely descriptive regarding the shape of his face. Alternately, a victim may remember a defining mark, such as a mole or scare. A police sketch artists must compile all of this information into a single drawing of the criminal.
Demonstrative Evidence
-
A police sketch artists must also be trained to create demonstrative evidence. These are artistic renderings used as evidence during legal proceedings, such as diagrams, dioramas and multi-media reenactments of crimes.
-
Image Modification
-
A police sketch artist must be trained within the technique of image modification. Image modification occurs when one alters the photograph of an individual to change their features, such as hair color as well, as estimate age progression. This is often used in cases of missing children. If a child has gone missing for an extended period of years, forensic artists will use image modification to age their photo, giving investigators and the general public an idea of how the victim my currently appear.
Post Mortem Reconstruction
-
In instances when the body of an unidentifiable deceased person is discovers, investigators turn to police sketch artists. Post mortem reconstruction is an artistic technique in which a forensic artist designs a clay or digital recreation of the victim's face, replacing features that may have decomposed.
Where to Get Training
-
While there are no formal police sketch artist training programs, a strong background in various visual arts mediums is required. This may be obtained through universities and proprietary schools nationwide. In addition, requirements such as a degree in criminal justice vary by employer. Those with some professional experience may choose to sit for certification, which is accomplished by successfully completing and examination administered by the International Association for Identification.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit sketch image by Aleksander from Fotolia.com
