Services

Imagery Analysis Services

Facial image comparison - Sometimes referred to as facial mapping, a detailed morphological analysis is conducted on the questioned (incident) imagery that describes the presented facial features in as much detail as the image quality allows. The same exercise is then conducted on reference imagery of the suspect. Following the comparative analysis, the aspects of difference and similarity are evaluated in terms of their overall significance.

Recognition and facial image comparison are distinctly different exercises. However, if recognition is based on imagery evidence it is important for the Court to understand to what extent the imagery can be considered to reliably present facial features.

Clothing comparison / Vehicle comparison / Weapon comparison / Object comparison/analysis - Within recorded imagery there can be an almost limitless number of objects of interest. By applying fundamental imagery analysis principles the relative size, tone and form of questioned objects can be analysed in order to either assess the nature of a certain object or to compare it with a known object. Whilst casework typically involves the consideration of items such as clothing, vehicles, weapons and tattoos, a more unusual case involved a fish comparison relating to the theft of valuable carp!

Chronological/Event analysis - In a crowded or busy scene the question of "what happened?" may not be readily apparent to a jury. In order to assess the actions and dynamic activity within a scene a detailed frame-by-frame analysis is carried out that provides a commentary on the sequence of events.

Critique - In a criminal or civil case the opposing side may commission their own expert report. In order to apply the principle of Equality of Arms it is important for any such report to be properly scrutinised and, if necessary, challenged. A critique will consider such aspects as the training and experience of the author, the methodologies employed in the analysis, the potential for cognitive bias, whether best practice has been applied and whether any conclusions are properly supported by the available imagery evidence.

Boundary Disputes/Land Use analysis - Property disputes may involve the determination of boundaries, right of access or perhaps land use over a period of time. Depending on the particulars of the case, archive aerial imagery or Commercial Satellite Imagery can provide a valuable historical record of physical changes and activity.

Testimonials

As an expert witness Clive has gained a reputation for the high standard of his reporting and his accomplished performance at Court. In particular, there has been a recurring theme in the comments Clive has received in relation to his work, that of "fair and balanced" reporting.

Tattoo Comparison

Cumbria police investigated a series of thefts of cashpoint machines. Whilst the faces of the offenders were masked, Clive was instructed by the police to conduct an analysis of tattoo detail on the hands of one offender versus reference images of a defendant's tattoos. Following his presentation of evidence at Carlisle Crown Court, Clive received the following feedback - “Your evidence was certainly a significant factor in securing the convictions. Defendant even said in his cross examination that you were brilliant. Prosecution and defence counsel were all really impressed.”

Facial Comparison

An offender was recorded on CCTV imagery committing a domestic burglary. Clive was instructed by a defence solicitor to carry out a facial comparison of the offender versus reference images of a suspect. The analysis highlighted an irreconcilable difference in terms of the form of the subjects ears and Clive concluded that, on that basis, the suspect could be eliminated as a potential candidate for the offender - "On receipt of your report the Crown reviewed the case and had it listed for mention to formally offer no evidence. Mr ##### is once again a free man and a very happy client".

Criminal Cases Review Commission -

"Thank you for your assistance with this review and the commendably short time it has taken to provide the Commission with the report. It is without question extremely useful to the review".

West Midlands Police -

"The expert witness testimony you provided assisted the prosecution and was successfully used at court during the trial. Your expert comparison of the offending vehicle to the defendant's vehicle from ANPR and CCTV footage helped to illustrate to the jury the similarity of the vehicles and supported the prosecution case."