Wisconsin police training on FACES identification system

MADISON – Wisconsin’s law enforcement agencies are slated to begin training tomorrow on a new technology to identify, track and identify criminals. The training, sponsored by the Oshkosh Police Department, is on the IQ Biometrix FACES system. The system allows photo-like images of suspects to be created quickly on a computer by selecting from a database of 4,400 facial features, hairstyles, hats, scars and tattoos.

FACES’, which is also used by the CIA and FBI, composites can be used in police bulletins to alert the public and media. They can also be transmitted between police stations and patrol cars or between different jurisdictions to widen the search for suspects.

Quickly developing composite images and getting a positive identification on a suspect can lead to an arrest, said Sergeant Don Wilson of Oshkosh Police Department.

“Our detectives have a particularly tough challenge when a crime has been committed by an unknown perpetrator,” Wilson said.

The training is being delivered by CTS Associates, based in Patchogue, N.Y. The company provides special operations training to police and military agencies across the country.

IQ Biometrix, a California-based company, is a provider of facial composite technology for law enforcement agencies in North America.