Facial feature prioritization by forensic specialists

Forensic face specialists are tasked with comparing facial images to determine identity, a process often guided by protocols emphasizing a comprehensive analysis of the full face. However, the strategies specialists employ regarding feature prioritization and accuracy based on specific features remain under-explored. This study investigated the decision-making processes of forensic face specialists using a novel task where participants matched an occluded probe image to one of two target identities by selectively revealing isolated facial features (e.g., ears, eyes, nose). Feature presentation was either self-selected by the specialist or revealed in a predetermined order based on similarity benchmarks. Results indicate that specialists are highly efficient, frequently achieving accurate identifications while viewing only one or two facial features. Ears were strongly preferred by specialists, but they displayed adaptability, altering their selection strategies based on the similarity of the visible features in the target images. The implications of these findings extend to the training and procedural guidelines for face specialists, highlighting the need for a focused approach to developing identification techniques that enhance accuracy in forensic contexts.