What is the role of a forensic artist?

A forensic artist plays a crucial role in criminal investigations by creating composite sketches of suspects based on witness descriptions. This process involves taking detailed accounts from witnesses and utilizing artistic skills to produce visual representations that can help law enforcement identify and locate suspects. The value of these sketches lies in their ability to translate verbal descriptions into a visual format, which can often trigger recognition and lead to breakthroughs in cases.

In contrast, other options describe roles that do not align with the primary functions of a forensic artist. Analyzing financial crimes pertains to accounting or financial investigation specialists rather than artistic work. Conducting psychological evaluations is associated with psychologists or psychiatrists, focusing on mental assessments rather than visual representation of suspects. Performing autopsies falls under the expertise of forensic pathologists who are medical doctors specializing in postmortem examinations to determine cause of death. Thus, creating composite sketches is the distinct and specialized duty of a forensic artist in the field of forensic science.