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sketch artists questions
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Larger depts and county sheriff's offices will have them on staff, but most are an additional duty. Smaller depts will have them on retainer, case-by-case, so that a sketch artist can often work for multiple agencies. And yes, they do share.
As an FBI agent, we often used the county or a local police artist. Like everything, it's a matter of preference and reputation. Sketch artists like to keep a scorecard on successes and will often carry around a portfolio, showing their rendering as it compared to the real subject. It is a great retirement gig for officers/deputies, and many have reputations statewide.
Usually, like an interview or polygraph, you want a controlled environment so the witness will go to the station. Also more professional that way. Of course if the witness is hospitalized or infirm, the artist will go to them.
For depth I'd do some research on their training which is fairly extensive. The FBI academy has training as do most state police academies and larger counties.
Good luck, hope this helps
John
Does anyone still use the flip-card Identakit?Jim Guigli
Mod
I have a lot of questions, but thought to start with a sketch artist.
When would be a need for one? (In my story, there is nothing but a witness to the crime)
Do they work regu..."
Mod
Jim Guigli"
Mod
Thanks John!Would it be better if I use a computer program instead of a sketch artist? (I have both local police and FBI working on this case)
Maybe you could help me out with this mess?
There are three jurisdictions in my story:
FBI special task force - to catch a human trafficking ring, their money launderer, and a serial killer they suspect works for the ring. They work from SF, where all the suspects are based.
Plausible?
Small town in NorCal - population about 3000.
Chief, deputy, and a few officers. None of them have any experience with these crimes. - But, some of the suspects recently committed a crime there.
Plausible?
Monterey PD. - Supposed to be about 30 minutes away from my fictional town. Which is why they are called to help by the locals. They send a detective who settles in the town's station to take over the investigation.
Plausible?
The crime:
3 goons try to kidnap\kill a young couple. Unsuccessfully.
They leave behind two cars and their weapons.
Plausible?
The detective from Monterey arrives, and:
-With more officers to help investigate the scene?
-Would he dust the cars for prints?
-The weapons would be sent to the forensic lab, right?
-What are the usual hours for labs? 9-17?
...Everything's a bust, because the weapons and cars are stolen...
So, he has two options, either get prints (I've read somewhere that it's almost impossible to get fingerprints off weapons, but how about the car?), or he'd get the witnesses to sit with a sketch artist\computer program.
...Sketch\fingerprints alert the FBI...They arrive to the small town.
Who's going to be in charge?
I assumed the FBI, so, in my story - they join forces with the detective, because he knows the place and residents. But, they keep him out of the whole loop. Plausible?
...In the morning after...
The detective finds a trail of blood from last night. Would it do him any good? Would he be able to use the DNA?
Mod
SKETCH ARTIST:
Either computer or sketch artist works. Older cops/Feds tend to be technology adverse. Some don't much trust in either (my experience is they are hit or miss). Let your characters decide. (ie your Monterey dick has an old retired partner who now does sketches on contract for the area. The young task force (TF) leader wants the computer. (a point of ccnflict for your story?). While the witness works with the computer tech (this is a trained position) the artist sits quietly in the back sketching. At the conclusion the witness says the computer product is off but the artist rendition is dead on.
FBI TF:
Is this TF already established for the purpose of the human trafficking? If yes, your are cool. Just don't let it be formed for this case. The FBI would not investigate an ATTEMPTED kidnapping. It would be left to the locals who wouldn't put many resources into it unless it was high profile and/or expected to happen again.
Some things you may want to know about a Federal TF (and this human trafficking TF WOULD be a federal TF). It will be comprised of the "alphabet soup" of Law Enforcement (LE) (FBI, ICE, ATF, HSI Homeland Security Investigations, probably not DEA w/o a drug nexus). Also with the local, state and county jurisdictions involvedrun by the FBI
Oh, man, I hate it when it happens. Regardless, it's still a swell response. I've been trying to work out these plot points for a while now. Thank you so much, John!That's a great idea about the sketch artist and computer tech. I think I'll make it more of a humorous banter, to add some comic relief.
FBI TF:
Yes. They're working on the human trafficking case, and the kidnapping attempt alerts them about one of the main suspects.
Oh, god. I don't know how I'm going to fit this "alphabet soup" into the story. But I'll try.
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions :)
Mod
The TF will only exist until the matter is done but could last a year or so. It will be run by the FBI. Why? The FBI pays for it and trafficking is a federal offense for which the FBI has jurisdiction. The FBI pick us officer OT (feds don't get paid OT), they supply computers and hardware, they pay for building upgrades, if needed.
The TF will be at a local LE space or the FBI could lease a space. Much depends on how big you are going to make this trafficking case. Remember, the bigger you make it, you'll naturally have to add a media component to you story to some degree.
The TF will be headed by the FBI, as well. The bigger the TF, the higher up the the agent in charge will be (a supervisor or an Assistant Special Agent in Charge , known as an ASAC).
Still, there is a mix so conflicts as to strategy and tactics will exist. Big conflicts develop when dealing with the media (who talks, how much, what info do they release?)
SMALL TOWN IN NORCAL
Terminology. They will have a chief, and maybe a deputy chief. That small, they probably have a chief and the next in charge will be a Capt or Lt or maybe just a sergeant. Sheriffs and deputies are with counties.
MONTEREY DETECTIVE:
Sounds like you're setting up to have this attempted kidnapping eventually dovetail into the TF case. If that is the case, having small town request assistance from Monterey does work. But keep in mind Monterey will allow it for a short time only. Maybe the chiefs are old buddies.
THE CRIME:
Guns give excellent prints. Since the gun(s) are stolen, they will have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) by the investigation jurisdiction. This, of course, will generate leads to be covered. But here is the biggest thing with guns, the ATF database (https://www.atf.gov/content/Firearms/....) NIBIN does ballistics on weapons to see if they've ever been used in a crime. For this the gun(s) will be sent to to the ATF for tracing and ballistics. Perhaps it come snack to the trafficking gang??
The prints can be done probably by the Monterey Police lab which are usually a M-F. 9am to 5pm gig. You'll send the guns to the local lab for prints BEFORE the ATF for their thing so as not to destroy prints.
For the car, yes, the lab could out to dust. Best prints will be inside. Super Glue on a plate inside the car, put a large heater inside and leave it overnight. The fumes stick nicely to the prints. Tow the car back to the lab garage to keep the chain of custody.
I know you are throwing out the prints from the story but I'm sending you the AFIS link so you'll have this for the future. (http://onin.com/fp/afis/afis.html)
FBI ARRIVES:
OK here is an issue, an ATF check or fingerprint check will NOT bring the FBI in as I mentioned earlier. A way around this is to have a Violent Crime TF set up. This is a common TF set up as in most field offices. Unlike the trafficking one I mentioned it is on-going and investigates any violent crime and gangs. Comprised by same folks (you can throw DEA in there). It is much smaller than the trafficking TF, maybe 6-7 people. A senior FBI Special Agent runs it. They usually have multiple cases and priority of resources is determined by the leader.
I can see the Monterey Dick being a member of the TF. When his chief asks him to help out small town, he tries to involve his TF. Can you see the conflicts here with the TF FBI agent in charge?
Ok think that hits the high points but let me know,
Good luck and Happy New Year
John
Mod
The TF will only exist until the matter is done but could last a year or so. It will be run by the FBI. Why? The FBI pays for it and trafficking is a federal offen..."
John wrote: "Sorry Grace, posted in error:
The TF will only exist until the matter is done but could last a year or so. It will be run by the FBI. Why? The FBI pays for it and trafficking is a federal offen..."
John wrote: "Ahh Grace, just wrote you a swell response that didn't save so I'll try again.
SKETCH ARTIST:
Either computer or sketch artist works. Older cops/Feds tend to be technology adverse. Some don't muc..."
Mod
Best way for the TF to connect with the kidnapping: Positive hit on the gun from ATF (use in murder or robbery by the traffickers). The TF recovers rounds, they were shot from this gun.
John, thank you so much. You're a godsend! I'm going to think over the TF and try to build a team without too much changes to the plot. Will post them later for your approval, if that's all right.
Happy New Year :)
Grace
Mod
Thanks, John. :)OK, for the beginning, when the FBI just gets news about the rounds found at the crime scene, I thought maybe they'd send two special agents that are part of the TF, to take over the investigation with a few more agents. (What's the difference between a special agent and an agent, btw?)
Then, to add the detective to the mix, I thought about this-
The town's chief is friends with Monterey's chief, as you suggested, and requests the detective's assistance because it's his hometown and they trust him.
Then, when the FBI TF takes over, both chiefs request the detective would be part of the TF. They seal the deal because the detective is friends with the witness and can pull more information out of her and get her to cooparate.
Plausible?
Thanks again,
Grace
Mod
The attempted kidnapping will be treated as what is called "a lead." In other words, it doesn't solve the trafficking case but the connection is solid enough that the TF must run it out to its logical conclusion,
In that case, 1 or 2 Special Agents or a SA an a TF officer will break off to work it. As for the detective, I can see him becoming part of the TF IF the attempted kidnapping is found to be significant to the TF case. The friendships would probably not be considered unless you can work some plot twist concerning the politics of the day. From there you can develop the dynamics which can prove incredibly intriguing.
Plot twist to consider: Are big cases ever lost or destroyed because of agency in-fighting and egos? All the time. Leadership and strength of character can save the day.
Agent vs Special Agent? The old joke is "because Congress said so." But really, a Special Agent has arrest powers, an agent does not.
Would it be worth their time and resources, to send a team of 6 (2 for each case), if the TF is handled this way?The TF is based in SF.
The main case is the human trafficking, but to catch them they're trying to nail the money launderer. Who's connected to this witness. Also, they suspect there's a serial killer hiding in the human trafficking ring, but no one has ever managed to get a description of him.
Only one agent, who'd tried to save a victim ever came in close contact with the serial killer. But she was shot before seeing him, and lost the victim, and the case. Now, this agent is part of the TF, and the rounds they had recovered from the attempted kidnaping is the same as the one she had in her chest.
She wants the serial killer. She needs his description from the witness so she could compare it to the photos of the human trafficking perps, and catch the "one that got away".
The agent working on the money laundering case wants to get information from the witness on her corrupted relative.
And the ring lord (is that the proper name?) wants the witness for different and more sinister reasons. The agent in charge of the human trafficking knows of their connection.
Would that be enough to bring the TF to our small town?
Mod
As leads developed, the ASAC would direct more or less resources to work the hottest leads (think of a battle where the cdr moves his platoons around the battlefield to exploit enemy weaknesses).
So, though this makes effective investigative strategy, is it too many moving parts for a reader to follow? Would following one team be more effective and occasionally provide updates from other teams to move the story along? Of course, your call
Ring Lord doesn't work but if there is 1 Unsub suspected by the TF, you may want to use the technique used to ID bank robbers.
Feds make up names for serial bank robbers because it's easier than referring to him as the white male, mid-30's approximately 6'3, etc. So nicknames are used (though not given to the media) such as a bank robber who leaves large foot prints in the mud may be called "Big Foot." A pale, drug-induced crack addict may be called "The Zombie." (Real monikers, BTW).
May want to do the same for your guy/gal.
lol. Liked the nicknames! Though, "Ring Lord" is how the leader of the criminal organization refers to himself. I thought calling his just "The Boss" was a bit boring. But I'll see if I can find him another name.The three cases are for three books. There's more conflict but a big villain for each one. By the way, the first book is from the witness POV. The next from the FBI POV, and the last from the FBI and A PI POV.
Your answer came right on time, as I just finished writing a scene when the second witness annoys two SA by telling them he spoke with their supervisor. I'll add the ASAC details too. Would it be plausible for the ASAC to talk with the witness about the investigation if he's a powerful businessman? The witness wants assurance no details about his involvement would leak to the press and also some details the SA refuse to tell him.
Thanks, John! :)
Mod
Sure the ASAC can do the interview if deemed necessary. The ASAC is just a promoted SA who certainly has the skills and training. Some will give the case agent (that's what they call the SA running the case) complete autonomy but if a big-mouth witness demands to "speak only the man in charge" the ASAC can do so.
Thank you so much, John, for your patience and thorough answers! :)
Mod
Hi John,I have another question for you, if that's all right.
Witness Protection:
A FBI SA who worked undercover investigating a criminal got caught. This criminal is powerful and no agency had ever managed to put him in jail, and he's after the SA.
The FBI SA is married and his wife is pregnant.
Would the FBI put him in witness protection even if he's not really a witness? Would they help him get a new identity and life?
Thanks,
Grace
Mod
He would not get a new ID, though.
Mod
John, you're my new hero! Thanks for another great advice :)
John,My prequel story is similar to Grace's except mine is set in 1985,and my FBI agent is a profiler [remember 1985 profiling was a new investigative tool ] and the only one in his office who believes this woman is a serial killer.
She was captured with a man I named Undertaker, and portrayed herself as his victim. No one else believes she is, simply because she is a woman and women are not serial killers.
She camouflages her twisted side as a teacher at a all girl Catholic school and is the girlfriend of one of the members of the TF.
She stabs the Undertaker when they are found and stabs his mentor [and ASAC] claiming she thought he was her capture, (PTSD ) and he dies a day later.
What would be the procedure in this situation? I assume they would send out a new ASAC and the FBI would take over the case and investigation? But maybe not, because the head of the task force believes they have solved the case and the Undertaker was the the serial killer. Or would they simply start their own at HQ?
I have my profiler request her to come in for an interview and make a statement. He can do this can't he? It's here my profiler knows for sure she is the mastermind because he cracked an anagram she sent to the papers and in it is all the names of women serial killers from the past.
And once she knows, he knows, the cat and mouse chase is on. She ends up stalking him and killing his wife [ when he's out of town on another case] who bleeds to death after she removes her child she wants to keep as her own.
Again, what would happen after each one of these scenario's?
Diane
Mod
Mod
My prequel story is similar to Grace's except mine is set in 1985,and my FBI agent is a profiler [remember 1985 profiling was a new investigative tool ] and the only one in his office who be..."
Mod
My prequel story is similar to Grace's except mine is set in 1985,and my FBI agent is a profiler [remember 1985 profiling was a new investigative tool ] and the only one in his office who be..."
Mod
A new ASAC would be assigned eventually (arriving in about 3-4 months with transfering his/her family and whatnot)
The FBI will stay abreast of the case since one of theirs was murdered, but no, the local PD will have the case as murder is not a federal matter.
Since the profiler suspects the woman, he can request his presence at the interview of the woman who will be called in for a witness statement.
From here your story dynamics will dictate:
Mod
From here your story dynamics will dictate:
- is the local homicide investigator(s) a fan of the FBI?
- does the FBI SAC in the respective field office respect profiling as a science (maybe not in 1985).
- the profiler will be part of the Behavioral Science Unit at the FBI academy in Quantico, VA. She/he has been recieveing reports from the field office from the case agent there. So, does the profiler's supervisor agree that it could bethe woman? Does the Special Agent in the field agree with the profiler? (The profiler, BTW, is a Supervisory Special Agent (SSA), and will usually ID him/herself as such).
This SSA/profiler may have to bully his/her way out to the field to stay involved in what will be a local matter.
From there, anything could happen as the profiler must now convince the others (or not).
Thanks John! - is the local homicide investigator(s) a fan of the FBI?- Nope, ego's are a clashing!
-Does the FBI SAC in the respective field office respect profiling as a science (maybe not in 1985)-I have my hero introducing profiling to this office, cause it's brand spanking new.
-The profiler, BTW, is a Supervisory Special Agent (SSA), and will usually ID him/herself as such).-I knew that, don't know why I put ASAC.
-Does the Special Agent in the field agree with the profiler? He doesn't agree, in fact he has written several papers explaining why there are no female serial killers, who's MO has a sexual component involved.
Sound effective/plausible so far?
Diane
Mod
18 USC 1114
Whoever kills or attempts to kill any officer or employee of the United States or of any agency in any branch of the United States Government (including any member of the uniformed services) while such officer or employee is engaged in or on account of the performance of official duties, or any person assisting such an officer or employee in the performance of such duties or on account of that assistance, shall be punished—
(1) in the case of murder, as provided under section 1111;
(2) in the case of manslaughter, as provided under section 1112; or
(3) in the case of attempted murder or manslaughter, as provided in section 1113.
As for your other issues here, yes, it appears to be working, but just so you're straight on this: your profiler shouldn't be a field agent. He is an HQ SSA who was formally a field agent but has a pyschology background and now is assigned to the Behavioral Science Unit (BSU). Therefore the field agent who has the case (and the TF) will have their own thoughts/opinions on serial killings but unless your field agent is a "wannabe" or "usedtobe" he/she wouldn't be very knowledgeable on the subject, esp in 1985.
Make sense??
Yes he was killed while preforming his duty. My villain researched him when she learned from her TF boyfriend he was being called in on the case. It was premeditated on her part, but everyone believes she was the Undertaker's final and only surviving victim, and her killing him was brought on by PTSD, she thought she was killing the Undertaker. As for the profiler, now I'm confused. I originally had him from BSU until I met Pete who was a FA and was also trained to profile cases. He sent all his profiles to Quantico for approval. He told me the BSU had profilers in every office. Believe you me, it would make my life much easier to keep him in the BSU, because I've been trying to figure out how to change it so it will fit with Pete's account for realism.
Maybe I missed something here! Thanks John for helping me figure this out!
Diane
Mod
Your profiler:
In 2014, all field offices have trained agents but as an additional duty. They are trained to obtain initial data through interviews, crime scene analysis, police reports, and completing a lengthy form to be evaluated back at Quantico. But the in-depth Hannibal Lector-type stuff is left to the experts at HQ. Never would a serial killing be done w/o the BSU input and guidance.
Field agents trained is a fairly recent addition (within the 10 years). Back in 1985 it was strictly a HQ function, which is when your story takes place, if I recall.
What Pete is probably referring to are National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crimes (NCAVC) field coordinators.
NCAVC is located at Federal Bureau of Investigation, Training Division FBI Academy at Behavioral Analysis Unit in Quantico, Virginia. NCAVC is the brains of the BAU.
Agents assigned to NCAVC do the following; coördinate investigative and operational support functions, criminological research, and training to give assistance to federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement agencies investigating unusual or repetitive violent crimes (serial crimes).
The NCAVC also provides investigative support through expertise and consultation in non-violent matters such as national security, corruption, and white-collar crime investigations.
Every one of the FBI’s fifty-six field offices has at least one NCAVC Coordinator in residence. The coordinators are the primary liaison with the field offices and with local and state law enforcement. They’re working with local authorities every day, so they’re in a position to know when there’s something that would benefit from us looking at it. The coordinators are FBI’s front line.
Typical cases for which NCAVC services are requested include- child abduction or mysterious disappearance of children, serial murders, single homicides, serial rapes, extortions, threats, kidnappings, product tampering, arson’s and bombings, weapons of mass destruction, public corruption, and domestic and international terrorism.
Research and training programs support the operational services of the NCAVC. Requests for NCAVC services are typically facilitated through NCAVC coordinators assigned to each FBI field office. Special agents collaborate with BAU on research and training matters, but they’re involved in training, primarily at the National Academy, and are not operationally involved in cases. Yep, sorry to burst your bubble, but contrary to what the Television portrays, these guy’s are analysts and researchers.
Here is a link to the Behavorial Analysis Unit which was formed out of the BSU:
http://forensicpsych.umwblogs.org/fbi...
Here is a link for the BSU:
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/training/bsu
Hope this mud sheds some light, Diane.
It does and I'm so happy I didn't have to rip my story into pieces! I haven't been able to work on it because I couldn't figure out how to change my profiler from the BSU into a profiler in from a satellite office. Whew! You don't know how HAPPY you've made me! Thanks so much for explaining all to me. In my research I found that most were analysts and I even posted this on my blog. I guess I must have misunderstood Pete.
You've made my 2014 start out right! Thank you so much! I'm so happy you started this group! The mud is now running down stream!
((((appreciation hugs))))!!!
Thanks John!
Mod
Hi John,Another question about sketch artists:
Will the local police use a regular artist as a sketch artist? A citizen with no history with law enforcement?
Thanks,
Grace
Mod
ALSO: the International Association for Identification (IAI) offers a forensic artist certification with concentrations in facial reconstruction and image enhancement, age progression and composite imaging (www.iai.org). To become certified, you must have two years of experience in the forensic art field that includes a minimum number of cases worked on and participate in 120 hours of IAI-approved forensic training, lectures and workshops. You'll also need to submit a portfolio of previous work to qualify for the certification exam. The certification exam includes written and practical components. Certification is good for five years.
I knew I could count on you to save my story! Thanks John.
Mod
Hey John...years ago I was involved in a case where a female was beaten up in retaliation for her sons being police officers that were involved in a gang case and she wasn't able to provide a good description of the subject(s) and the FBI sent her to a forensic hypnotist who hypnotized her. This allowed her to recall the descriptions of the two subjects and the forensic hypnotist had a sketch artist in his office that worked with the victim to draw sketches of the 2 bad guys.
I have a lot of questions, but thought to start with a sketch artist.
When would be a need for one? (In my story, there is nothing but a witness to the crime)
Do they work regularly at the PD? If it's a small town would a neighboring PD spare one to help the investigation? Would the witness have to meet the sketch artist at the station or is it plausible for the artist to come to the witness.
Thanks,
Grace