Matching profiles of masked perpetrators: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biometrics
• Facial Recognition Technology

Background:

• Facial recognition is crucial in forensic investigations.
• Identifying individuals from masked photographs presents unique challenges.
• Previous research has explored various facial identification methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of facial profile matching using lateral photographs of individuals wearing balaclavas.
• To determine the effectiveness of superimposition techniques in forensic identification of masked individuals.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen male volunteers were photographed laterally with and without balaclavas.
• Photographs were matched in blind trials using side-by-side comparisons and superimposition.
• Matches were graded as good, possible, or no fit.

Main Results:

• Superimposition yielded a high true identification rate (94%) and correct exclusion rate (94%).
• While the best match was often correctly identified, multiple possible matches were frequently observed.
• Profile comparison alone demonstrated limited selectivity.

Conclusions:

• Superimposition of lateral photographs with balaclavas can identify potential matches in forensic investigations.
• The method is valuable for narrowing suspect pools but lacks the selectivity for sole evidence.
• Future research should incorporate 3D scanning for comprehensive head analysis.