To understand the historical perspective of impersonation. Impersonation never started as a crime. It had its origin in Greeks theater but as time goes on, it has now been adopted by criminals and evildoers as a means of evading punishment. Since then, many infamous people have impersonated other innocent people to dupe unsuspecting victims. In this chapter, I will share the stories of five impostors across the world. You will learn the tricks they employed and how they were eventually trapped down. The aim of the segment is to portray the fact that impostors are real and have actually carried out much unimaginable havoc on people. In the same vein, the chapter does justice to why syndicates see impersonation as the best means of perpetrating their crime. Why not direct method? Why don’t they offer bribes and maintain their identities? All these are carefully explained in this section. Furthermore, the chapter will peruse the concept of biometrics. Advancement in technology has unarguably contributed greatly to the field of law enforcement. However, the question that should be on the lip of every professional is that: Are these technological tools sufficient on their own? That is, can we rely on their outputs without further human verification? This chapter will answer the question and reel out what is expected of every officer per time. The chapter will be ended by considering the role of ethnicity in facial recognition.

To understand how to scientifically compare faces and images. When images and individuals are being verified, they are mostly done using scientific methods in most entry points. While this is commendable, let me reiterate for the umpteenth time that human touch supersedes all forms technological tools. Also, there are various verification forms for different examinations. In this chapter, I will shed light on three—morphological analysis, photoantropometric analysis and holistic comparison. However, before doing this, I will narrate a case study that aids the understanding of each of the processes. This segment of our study would be capped up by highlighting the examination processes. When you are examining a suspect, there are nine parts of the face where you should always beam the searchlight on. First, you start from the overall facial shape and then, consider some other parts for distinguishing features. There are no two people that are exactly the same. So, how you are going to identify each person with their peculiar features are explored in this chapter. However, this segment is not giving an in-depth explanation because each will still be explained in subsequent chapters—this is only meant to serve as a tip of the iceberg.

To know the similarities and dissimilarities in people’s faces. The only two possibilities in the world when it comes to facial identification are that people are either similar or dissimilar. When they are dissimilar, the work of the law enforcement officer is reduced because the differences can easily be pointed out. However, the onus of the job lies in differentiating between similar people. This chapter is ready to dissect this in a well-organized manner. There are eight sub-segments in the chapter with each discussing distinct but related concepts. The similarities noticeable in people can either be at individual, class or interclass levels while the same thing goes for the dissimilarities too. When the suspects are people of the same origin with us, we are able to easily point out their differences, no matter the level of similarity. However, it is usually a herculean job dealing with identical suspects from other backgrounds. Ideally, they look alien to you and still coupled with the fact of separating them. However, this chapter gives you the tricks that can be of great help to you. The chapter would be ended by considering some explainable and unexplainable dissimilarity. While some can be explained, you are simply dumbfounded on others. So, all these cases are aptly treated in this module of our discourse.

To know ways of examining some select facial parts. This chapter is designed to serve as the opening chapter to the next two chapters. They all discussed the same concept but compartmentalized into three to give in room for creativity, ease and proper knowledge dissemination. Before you can identify impostors, you must first understand all the facial features. That is, how do they look like under normal circumstances and what can trigger their changes? The first to be explored here is the skin. Humans are mostly described by the nature of their skin. Mostly, people are either fair-skinned or dark-skinned but the range of fairness or darkness differs. Then, we will move to the headline and its composition. Here are subtle details that are always overlooked by many enforcement officers. By the time you do a holistic comparison of all these features, you would have had more than enough evidence against the suspect. Even the baldness pattern of people is enough to distinguish them. Then, the curtain of the chapter will be dropped by engaging with description of forehead and eyebrows.

To understand the features of specific facial parts. This chapter serves as the continuation of the previous one. In this module, seven major parts are perused. Their features are reeled out under normal circumstances and sicknesses that can cause defects to them. The eyes are described as the windows to the soul in body language. Also, while identifying a person, they also play a prominent role. The shape of the eyes is a common factor which many people rely on when describing a person. In the first segment of our discussion, I discussed the eyes, its shape, features from culture to culture, shape and major infections. However, I have seen many officers downplay the relevance of the cheeks in recognizing impostors. They are very relevant and full of subtle messages. Many of them would be unraveled in this lesson. The shape of a person’s nose can also reveal their identity. When impostors discover that their nostril shape differs from the person they are impersonating, they decide to go for a surgery. Does it mean the surgery can perfect the imperfection without any loopholes? All these are the interesting discourses in the chapter. The ears and mouth will be the last features to be highlighted in the chapter. Although the ears are located at the sideways, but they should not be ignored when affirming the identity of a person. Most times, the syndicates are mostly engaged with only the frontal aspects that they don’t consider the ears.

To be deepened in the facial recognition of impostors. This is the last chapter in the series which has been running since chapter four. Six other important features of the face would be shed light on. Let me state that partial knowledge will not work while dealing with impostors. It is either you fail in nabbing them or you expertly track them down. So, don’t feel what you have learnt in the first two series is enough to see you through. The chapter would be opened by describing the chin or the jawline. How the chin bone is carved dictates how the chin of an individual will look like. Also, there are cases where the chin shape is affected by ethnic background. Different instances that contribute to how the chin and neck are shaped are considered. Our discussion will scale through to the neck. The neck is the link between the face and other body parts. How it is shaped also affects the overall facial look. The facial hair is another factor that distinguishes people from one another. Our discussion would be brought to a close by considering facial lines. Even though many an impostor tries to hide these lines with the use of cosmetics, they usually find it difficult to perfect things. Scars and facial marks are also noticeable features that must be discussed.

To describe the bones and muscles of the face. There are some major bones and muscles of the face that also contribute to the look of people. The face is full of bones covered by muscles and flesh of the skin. Although you cannot see the bones and muscles physically while examining a suspect, knowing their shape gives you an idea if they have been altered to suit a particular purpose. There eight basic facial bones which would be explained in this chapter. The cranium seems to be the most prominent among them. However, there are still many that are also useful in carving out the facial image of people. One reason you will enjoy this part of our discussion is that there are many of the bones that cannot be easily altered. So, you will see them as invaluable assets in detecting impostors. After that, I will discuss the muscles of the face. What we will focus on in this aspect are the functions of facial muscles. After having full grasp of that, then I will go on to establish the nexus between facial muscles and neck muscles.

To differentiate between identical twins. There is no gainsaying that this is the most difficult aspect for most law enforcement officers. Differentiating between identical twins by the use of conventional method is doubt a daunting task. However, this lesson promises to be the liberating balm for anyone that cares to learn. First, I will discuss all the types of twins that exist on the surface of the earth but the main thrust of the chapter would be based on identical twins. There are two types of identical twins—mirror and polar body twins. Having an in-depth knowledge on each type will help you to be focused on the traits to look out for while dealing with them. There are at least nine traits that distinguish identical twins. Not too many people are aware of the fact that identical twins don’t share the same fingerprints and iris shape. Earlobe attachment is another thing to look out for and many more. The lesson will be basically practical, engaging and fun-filled. By the time I expunge on hairline shape and other subtle features on the face of twins, you will agree with the fact that there are no two exact people on earth.

To understand the place of aging in facial look. There is a saying that death is indispensable. However, death, in most cases, is procedural. That is, you move from one phase of growth to the other before it finally knocks at your door. During these growth processes, the facial appearance of people changes and this is affected by numerous factors. While many people try to defy aging through the use of artificial means, it has been observed that there is no one that can run away from this reality of life. In this lesson, I will discuss the major factors that affect aging processes. Top on the list are human-induced factors such as high frequency radiation and low frequency radiation. Issues that would be highlighted under the two are: ways to recognize them, factors that trigger them and what they eventually lead to. The second aspect of the chapter would be shouldered with the responsibility of discussing the place of poison in aging process. Inadequate exercises and most importantly, specific areas of the face that are being affected by aging will cap up our discourse. Knowing where to focus on will save you the time of beating around the bush or guess work.

To interpret skin features in facial recognition. The skin also witnesses growth from time to time. This growth might be natural or induced by some occurrences. Warts seem to be the most prevalent of all. A wart is a form of skin growth which brings about rough texture on the skin and has no specific place it appears on the body. This chapter will give a detailed explanation of warts and then the typologies. Six basic types would be analyzed in this segment. Another issue to be engaged with is skin tag. Skin tags are actually painless and people give less attention to its treatment except in cases where they become irritating to the body. However, an impostor with skin tags may decide to cover up with makeup or other forms of cosmetics. For you to have a full grasp of the concept, skin tags are considered four sub-types. Psoriasis seems to sound uncommon and so is its effect on the body. It is very chronic and rapidly builds up in the skin cells. During the course of our study, I will explicate on five types of psoriasis and how they each work. The discussion would be brought to a close with acne.

To understand the different facets of cosmetic surgery. Our discussion on impersonation will be incomplete without speaking on cosmetic surgery. Even though it has been referenced at different points of our study, nothing detailed has been said about it. Impostors are fond of cosmetic surgeries—they see it as avenue to make things look perfect, match themselves with the pictures they hold and ultimately play on the intelligence of the law enforcement officer. When a cosmetic surgery is professionally carried out, it improves the facial appearance of the subject. The improvement in appearance also bolsters their self-confidence and self-esteem. This makes them to confront officers without fear. During the course of our interaction, you will learn the different parts of the face where surgeries can be done. In some instances, it would be almost impossible to know if a surgery has actually been done while in other cases, there would be scars indicating that the person has worked on that part of the face. At the end of the lecture, fourteen forms of cosmetic surgeries would have been discussed. It would be concluded by considering how criminals make use of cosmetic surgeries to perpetrate evil. This is no doubt our major point of focus in the section. It will also enlighten you and put you ahead in the game of detection.

To establish the nexus between image quality and impersonation. The process of impersonation is not something that can be done without paying attention to details—syndicates ensure they rehearse very well and when they feel they are confident of victory, they get into the field. One of the ways in which they play their tricks is to present blur pictures that will be very difficult to verify. They pay attention to the quality of the image. However, while discussing image quality, it is not a one-sided thing. Law enforcement officers too need to take photos and they must ensure it is taken from a close range so as to be able to gather presentable evidence against the suspect. In this chapter, I will beam intellectual light on how photos should be examined and taken. Officers should not be too hasty to clear subjects whose image quality is under doubt. There is standard which it must meet. The image light and format are two essential features that should not be overlooked? How does light affect the quality of an image? What is the acceptable standard for an image format? When can an image be adjusted? All these posers and many more are answered in the chapter.

To understand ways in which to make an informed decision on impersonators. It is not enough to teach how to fish without taking you through the smoking processes. After all, if you fail to smoke well, the essence of the whole fishing expedition is lost. The above analogy explains the importance of decision-making while dealing with impostors. If a decision is made out of context, syndicates will advantage of that and evade justice. Whatever decision that is made per time should lead to the arrest and confession of the suspect. However, an informed decision is not made out of the blues. You need to keep yourself abreast of relevant information first. Then, you identify the decision that must be made through the information gathered. In this context, remember that there is no decision that is sufficient in itself. Thus, you must make room for alternatives. All these require expertise and processes that will be explored in the lesson. Another point of focus will be how to guard against bias. While making any decision, our sentimental judgment cripples in in the form of a bias. So, how do we prevent that? This will be discussed in a very practical form in the module.

To point out the factors that affect facial recognition and matching processors. Although I have explained numerous ways through which law enforcement officers can bust impostors but you must always remember that life is not a bed of roses—we are always bound to encounter challenges. Despite the advancement in technological inventions, there are still noticeable challenges it poses during the process of working on images. The quality of images and their sizes affect the final output. When the quality of an image is below par, there is hardly anything can do. If the suspect has good excuse, they can easily trick us into believing what is not. Another issue that would be considered is the processing and storage of data. It isn’t unusual that relevant data go amiss when they are mostly needed. So, how does law enforcement agent confront these issues? May I quickly state that the problems are not limited to machines alone. Human challenges such as identifying different expressions and image tilt difference are few cases when things may prove to go out of hands for officers. All these would be aptly discussed in our study.

To know what the limitations and challenges of officers are in facial recognition processes. This chapter is meant to serve two purposes—end the whole discourse and expand the topic considered in chapter fourteen. However, this is wholly focused on humans. Few factors limit law enforcement officers to perform their responsibilities maximally. If these factors are not known, there is no how they can be worked on. A challenge which is widespread is that many a law enforcement officer is not qualified. So, they rely more on technology than they rely on their own reasoning. This affects the outcome of findings. Another challenge that will be explained in this section is the acclaimed invasion of privacy. While biometrics has been applauded in many quarters, some see it as a means of violating their privacy. When legal cases are instituted against a security check, it slows down its pace of efficiency. Sometimes, the machine also misleads officers by not being accurate. The software still needs to be improved on. The last issue that would wrap up our discussion in the book revolves round how the people of color are being segregated against by the biometrics and in most cases, law enforcement officers work with the bias results.