IDENTIKIT PICTURE Meaning and
Definition
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An identikit picture, commonly known as a composite sketch or photofit, is a graphic representation of a suspect's face created by combining various facial features. The term "identikit" is derived from "identification" and "kit," emphasizing its purpose in assisting law enforcement agencies in identifying individuals involved in criminal activities.
To construct an identikit picture, a witness or victim is usually shown a set of pre-drawn facial features such as eyes, nose, mouth, and haircuts. They then choose the components that most closely resemble their recollection of the suspect's appearance. A police artist or a specially trained technician assembles these chosen features using a mix-and-match technique with various overlays, resulting in a visual composite resembling the target individual.
The process of creating identikit pictures requires the witness's memory to recall and articulate distinct aspects of the suspect's facial characteristics. While it can offer valuable assistance in the investigation process, identikits are not precise replicas but rather generalized depictions. These pictures act as visual aids to stimulate recognition in potential witnesses or generate leads for further investigation.
Identikit pictures have been widely used around the world in criminal investigations since the mid-20th century. With technological advancements, computerized systems have replaced the traditional manual method, allowing for quicker and more accurate facial reconstructions based on digital databases of facial features. This enhances the likelihood of identifying suspects and contributes to the administration of justice in solving crimes.
Common Misspellings for IDENTIKIT PICTURE
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Etymology of IDENTIKIT PICTURE
The word "identikit" is a blend of two words: "identification" and "kit".
"Identification" comes from the Latin word "identificare", which is a combination of "idem", meaning "the same", and "facere", meaning "to make". This word refers to the process of establishing or recognizing the identity of someone or something.
"Kit" is derived from the Middle Dutch word "kitte", meaning "a wooden vessel". In English, it came to mean a set of tools or equipment needed for a specific purpose.
The term "identikit picture" originates from the practice of creating a composite image to identify criminal suspects. The method was developed by a British police officer named Lewis Leamham in the 1950s. The system involved assembling a picture by selecting facial features from a collection of pre-drawn facial parts, such as eyes, nose, mouth, etc.
