Note:This is an older story from September, 2010, revived from our True Strange News archive because it is still interesting.
Police in Hampshire have acknowledged technical difficulties following the release of an e-fit image of a burglary suspect that humorously resembled a man with a lettuce on his head. This image was made public after a distraction burglary incident in Stockbridge, where an elderly woman was robbed of £60. The suspect had posed as someone offering gardening services before stealing from her handbag.
The police stated they are awaiting a software upgrade aimed at enhancing the quality of hair representations in future e-fits. A spokesperson noted, “While the hair on this image may not be of the best quality, it takes nothing from the overall clarity of the facial features.” They emphasized that withholding the e-fit due to technical issues would be inappropriate since the victim supported its release.
The suspect is described as white, aged between 40 and 45, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a round clean-shaven face, large round eyes, and wavy blonde or greying hair. A representative from Victim Support remarked on the public’s expectations from the criminal justice system, stating that people naturally want effective results and may be confused by the quality of the image provided. However, they also noted that it would be unfair to criticize the police if they produced the best possible image given the available resources and descriptions.
Related News Stories
– Police Facial Recognition Technology Under Scrutiny: Recent discussions have emerged regarding the effectiveness of police facial recognition technology, especially after incidents where e-fit images have drawn public ridicule. Critics argue that such technology should be more reliable and accurate to maintain public trust.
– Advancements in E-Fit Technology: The EvoFIT system, which is being adopted by various police forces across England and Wales, has shown promising results in constructing facial composites. It reportedly has a higher identification rate compared to traditional methods. Police are increasingly relying on such systems to improve their crime-solving capabilities.
– Public Reactions to Police E-Fits: Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions to the “lettuce” e-fit, showcasing a mix of humor and concern over police efficiency. Many users expressed disbelief at how such an image could be released while others called for improvements in police technology and training.
These stories highlight ongoing challenges and developments in law enforcement’s use of technology for crime prevention and investigation.
Read More
[1] https://evofit.co.uk
[2] https://www.umc.edu/mindcenter/files/Navigating-Alzheimers-Resource-Guide_DIGITAL.pdf
[3] https://www.surrey.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/foi-media/surrey/policies/e-fit-procedure.pdf
[4] https://www.feinc.net/composit.htm