AST March 2018 Magazine March Final -3.3.18 | Page 15

Volume 21
• It is also critical that the investigator who uses facial recogni-
tion technology has detailed knowledge of the case such as the
unknown suspect’s descriptive features, or the location where
the crime occurred.
• This helps improve the quality of search results. Just as import-
ant, the facial recognition user needs to have a keen eye for
detail to locate the “face” within the list of candidates, and also
needs to be patient and persistent with the use of filters.
Two-Level Verification Process Critical
Once a subject has been identified as a possible match through
physical attributes, a first level verification begins.
• Because many doppelgangers exist in this world (he looks like
him, she looks like her), an immediate background investiga-
tion must be performed on faces with similar physical charac-
teristics.
• This first level verification validates the candidate as a viable
suspect by strengthening the subjective analysis for identifying
physical similarities between two faces.
March 2018 Edition
Once the physical characteristics and first level background checks
match, a second level verification is needed in the form of a peer
review.
• The objective in a peer review is to convince the group the
person in the known image (your candidate) may reasonably
be the same person in the original image sourced in your
investigation (your probe image).
• Findings should be displayed on high definition screens and
presented to a group of three to five peers.
• The investigator should showcase his or her first level verifica-
tions in the form of a “sales pitch” made to their peers.
• This analysis must demonstrate in great detail any physical
similarities or differences between both faces.
• Annotations should be made and displayed on screen which
highlight definitive characteristics such as scars, moles, marks,
or tattoos.
• Talk about the shape of the head, hairline, hair texture, jaw-
line, eyes, nose, mouth region, and the shape of the ears.
• Discuss any relevant background information obtained about
your candidate, provide any arrest history if applicable, and
compare investigative background findings to establish asso-
ciations with your current investigation.
13