Computer identikits appraised

Press, 8 October 1987, Page 15

Computer identikits appraised

PA Wellington The Penry identikits used by police artists to make sketches of criminals have some disadvantages and police are investigating new computer alternatives. The police chief photographer, Mr Alex Attewell, is heading a group looking at the new computer system available. He said the main disadvantage with the Penry system was that,it did not We a Polynesian -Aube system. ' It was also a . slow method, he said. The Penry system carries distinguishing features such as eyes, noses and chins in books which witnesses are asked to look through. Police artists who choose to use the kits then ... take larger copies of the C facial features witnesses have picked and arrange them on a plate to form a face. The artist then pro-

duces his own impression with the help of the witness. Mr Attewell said com-' puters could store a great deal more information and handle the information faster. The computer systems were starting to be used overseas and there was quite a lot of development going on in that field, he said. There are about 26 police artists in New ZeaAttewieli said thdse artists were , full-time policeman and ~ the amount of work they did as artists varied from district to district With new computer identikit systems, skills in interviewing witnesses could become more important than drawing ' skills. / ' Mr Attewell started a study fate last year and hopes to have a report completed by the end of this year. .' , c . . -