Forensic art advanced beyond paper and pencil

3^rd International Conference on Forensic Research and Technology

October 06-08, 2014 Hilton San Antonio Airport, USA

Leslie Willingham

Accepted Abstracts: J Forensic Res

Abstract :

Describe the issue or problem this session addresses: A picture is worth a thousand words. The ?CSI effect?, where crimes are neatly solved in less than an hour, has brought the work of Forensic Artists to the attention of the public. This is a look at how Forensic Art can help solve real crimes in the real world. The ability to understand the practical procedures, guidelines, terminology, applications, and limitations of Forensic Art has become a necessity in Forensics. An effective, well -structured composite sketch session can help solve a case. Know when to deploy a forensic artist. Describe how this session will address solutions to this issue or problem: The general public?s perception of high profile cases can have a positive outcome when the skills of a trained Forensic Artist are used appropriately. Time and effort can be saved by agencies and organizations in their forensic efforts to prove or disprove a case. Why is this topic of interest to the attendees? The media loves the opportunity to present Forensic Art drawings to the public. The law enforcement agency releasing the information has an obligation to provide accurate terminology, so the public is not deceived and the case is not compromised. Session Objectives (State in measurable terms): The participant will be able to analyze facial features to compare the likeness of a composite sketch to a photograph of a suspect. The participant will be able to articulate and write the correct terminology to describe a composite drawing. The participant will be able to justify a recommendation to use the skills of a Forensic Artist. Evaluation Criteria: The participant will judge how a drawing leads to identification.

Biography :

Leslie Willingham has had the opportunity to blend her careers as a Forensic Artist, Fine Artist, and Law Enforcement Officer. She is a Deputy Sheriff at Denton County Sheriff?s Office, currently assigned to Crime Prevention and Forensic Artist. She is a Certified Forensic Artist with the International Association for Identification. She serves on the Forensic Art Sub Committee for the International Association for Identification. Her work has been featured on America?s Most Wanted and can be found on The Doe Network and NamUs cases. She is the author and lead instructor for the STAY SAFE Program that is taught in 8 school districts in Denton County, Texas. She teaches over 2800 students in K-12th grades and college, and instructs law enforcement officer training each year. In 2012, she was awarded the Outstanding Crime Prevention Specialist by the Texas Crime Prevention Association.