“Why is it called ‘Forensic’ Art?”

fo·ren·sic  (fə-rěn’sĭk, -zĭk)    adj.

1. Relating to, used in, or appropriate for courts of law or for public discussion or argumentation.
2. Of, relating to, or used in debate or argument; rhetorical.
3. Relating to the use of science or technology in the investigation and establishment of facts or evidence in a court of law: a forensic laboratory.

And, that’s why we’re called Forensic Artists. It’s also why we care so deeply about what we do, and get so upset when people wander around saying “anybody can do this job.” No, they can’t.

There’s so much at stake, and so much more to this job than just being able  to draw. So much to it, that entire books have been written about the subject.

Any composite you do could end up in court, where people’s lives are on the line. If you are not properly trained, if you do not know how to handle evidence, if you do not know law enforcement protocols, you could absolutely and without a doubt screw up a case.

And in some cases, yes, that means a rapist or murderer could walk away. I’m not being dramatic, it is true. I have seen cases that appeared to be a slam-dunk, where there was a mountain of evidence other than the composite you couldn’t imagine that it would even be called into question. Cases where the forensic artist did everything right, followed all the rules, had all their notes in order, and still the defense tried to call their work into question.

Thankfully, they weren’t able to poke holes in the case or the artist’s work, and that’s because the artist worked in law enforcement, had their act together, had the experience, and knew what was on the line.

I know I care about this topic so much, well, I’ve been up since 5am thinking about it, and just decided to go downstairs, make coffee, and get it off my chest. So there you have it.