This document discusses two techniques used in forensic identification: skull superimposition and Identikit facial composites. Skull superimposition involves placing a post-mortem skull record over an antemortem photograph to compare anatomical landmarks for identification. It has evolved from photographic to video superimposition. Identikit uses a composite artist to create a graphical representation of a face described by an eyewitness that can then be used in a wanted poster or as evidence against a suspect. Both techniques aim to aid in forensic identification.

1. Superimposition &
Identikit
Najihah binti Mohd Yusri
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2. • It is a technique where a post mortem record
is placed over a comparable antemortem
record for comparison.
• Skull Superimposition
1. SUPERIMPOSITION

3. • Technologically, skull-photo superimposition
have passed through two phases :
a) Photographic superimposition
b) Video superimposition

4. Photographic
• The antemortem photograph is enlarged to “life
size” and make as transparent.
- The skull is adjusted in such a way that the
inclination and orientation are the same as that
of the head in the photograph.
# The complete skull is required to obtain positive
identification.

5. • The anatomical landmarks compared for a
positive match include :
- External auditory meatus
- Orbits
- Anterior nasal spine
- Chin point
- Angles of the mandible
- Zygomatic processes
# This test only can help in exclusion rather
than conclusion.

6. • Disadvantages :
- Slight change in the enlargement of the
antemortem photograph or a slight change in the
angulation of the skull can lead to mismatch.
# These problems can be avoided by the use
of video superimposition technique.

7. Video Superimposition
- Skull
- Antemortem photograph
- 2 colour video camera
- A video image mixing device
- A TV monitor
- A videotape recorder

8. • The skull is first filmed with
video camera 1 and reproduced
on the TV monitor.
• The facial photograph is then
reproduced on the TV monitor
using video camera 2.
• The individual video signals from
each camera are fed into a vision
mixer so that a variety of
function, like horizontal &
vertical wiping, superimposition
& negative simulation can be
done.
• By adjusting the mixer, the video
picture of the antemortem
photograph can be enlarged
based on the visibility of teeth /
vertical facial height.

9. • Advantages :
- immediate results
- can be videotaped for court purposes

10. 2. IDENTIKIT (facial composite)
• Graphical representation of an eyewitness's
memory of a face, as recorded by a
composite artist.
• Uses :
i. Identifying the
suspect in a wanted
poster.
ii. Additional evidence
against a suspect.
iii. Warning vulnerable
population against
serial offenders.

11. References
1. Textbook of forensic medicine and
toxicology, 16th edition, editor VV Pillay.
2. http://what-when-how.com/forensic-
sciences/skull-photo-superimposition/
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