The system is founded on a database of photographic quality black and white images in 256 shades of gray. The images are digitized into the computer in a process that ensures that density of skin tones is equalized throughout the database. The quality and integrity of this database is the key to the success of CIDS. To maintain the system's integrity, users are not allowed to add features to the database. Photographs are "cut" into five component facial features (eyes, nose, mouth, chin, and hairstyle) which are categorized according to facial attributes and separated by sex and ethnic group. During facial reconstruction, the program allows the individual features to be manipulated through stretching, compressing, bending, and rotation. The Whole Image Retrieval System (WIRS) is being developed to replace the current criminal photographic system in Australia. It will provide foolproof video systems to tape arrested persons, data entry suites where operators will capture the video images on computer, viewing suites where officers can call up individual images or search for similar-looking images, quick production turnaround, and categorization methods parallel to those used by CIDS.