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Forensic Art: Practical Considerations of Witness Memory

NCJ Number
123550
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 40 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1990) Pages: 115-125
Author(s)
F J Domingo
Date Published
1990
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Forensic artists should have a good working knowledge of the crime witness's memory process to produce a successful mixture of art and psychology during their sessions with witnesses.
Abstract
Thus, they should recognize that memory is a fragile process that is influenced by many factors outside and inside the human mind. External factors include the angle of view, distance from the person, lighting, weather, disguises, accessories used by the perpetrator, the time span of the view, and physical limitations of the witness. Internal factors are psychological and sociological factors such as positive and negative prejudices, as well as intelligence, powers of observation, retention capabilities, and the ability to communicate. In addition, the ability to encode, store, and retrieve accurate information can be affected at any point during the memory process. Nevertheless, the composite artist should try to retrieve as much information as possible. 14 reference notes and address from which to obtain further information.

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