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Highly-trained Forensic Artists from the FBI Laboratory’s Special Projects Unit (SPU) stand ready to assist in federal, state, or local agencies with forensic facial imaging support. These services are provided at no cost to the agency.

We provide technical support for the following:

• Composite Drawings
• Age-Progressed Imagery
• Post-Mortem Imagery
• Facial Reconstruction from Skeletal Remains
• Forensic Facial Imaging Training

Composite Drawings

Hand-drawn facial composite sketches prepared by experienced forensic artists are valuable in providing useful images of unknown criminal suspects. FBI artists travel both domestically and internationally and use video teleconferencing technology to conduct composite interviews.

Age-Progressed Imagery

Forensic Artists can prepare enhanced, age-progressed images of fugitives, as well as endangered missing individuals using older arrest, official, or family photos as resources. The images can be done digitally using computer programs when usable photos are available. When a quality photographs are not available, a hand drawn sketch may be done instead.

Postmortem Imagery

Images of unidentified victims can be digitally retouched to provide investigators with acceptable photos for public release and distribution.

Facial Reconstruction from Skeletal Remains

When unidentified human remains are submitted to the FBI Laboratory, forensic artists will work closely with Examiners and Forensic Anthropologists to prepare drawn or sculpted facial reconstructions in an effort to identify the victim.

To request forensic facial imaging services, please contact:
Special Projects Unit
703 632-8194

Forensic Facial Imaging Training

This three-week course is designed to provide comprehensive forensic art training for law enforcement, crime lab, or military personnel who have been designated by their agency to produce composite drawings from witness descriptions. Students will receive one-on-one training from experienced FBI forensic artists, with additional lectures and demonstrations by noted law enforcement and academic professionals.

This course is provided through the FBI Laboratory’s Specialized Training Program.

Eligibility: This training is only available to U.S. law enforcement agencies, government crime laboratories or military personnel. International students must be employed by similar government agencies.

Prerequisite: Students must be actively working in the field of forensic art, or have been designated by their agency to produce artist composites at the completion of this training. This is a drawing-intensive course; although prior formal art training is not required, it is strongly recommended that applicants have some level of drawing experience and skill.

Tuition and fees: There is no cost for this class, and drawing materials are provided. Hotel, meal and travel expenses (excluding airfare for international students) are paid initially by the agency, and reimbursed by the FBI at the completion of training.

• Course Description
• Class Dates and Registration Information
• Forensic Facial Imaging Brochure (pdf) | Print Version (pdf)

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