MSU researchers develop new algorithms matching police sketches to mug shots

Catching criminal suspects based on a police sketch has been a long-time, but difficult practice. But that could be about to change.

A team at Michigan State University has developed software that would cross-match police sketches against real mug shots that are already stored in law enforcement databases.

Programs that create digital sketches have been around for some time, but sketches drawn by forensic artists are usually considered more reliable. Still, those sketches tend to rely on a witnesses' memory, so they can often be inaccurate depictions.

According to Michigan State University's website, all of the sketches used in the project were from actual crimes where the suspect was later identified.

The Michigan State University team is planning to test their system in the field in "about a year".