• The Mandarin term “拼图” is a paraphrase of the English term “photofit” or “identikit”.
• This tool reconstructs facial composites for identification and is based on descriptions provided by witnesses of a suspect’s facial features.
• A photofit shows features such as the forehead, hair, eyes, nose, mouth, chin, facial hair, and includes accessories such as spectacles and headwear.
• The police artist will first sketch a basic facial composite for the witness or victim to identify. Upon confirmation, the artist will sequentially construct the eyes, nose, mouth, and chin, until the witness or victim determines that the composite is accurate.
• The completed facial composite is then used by the police to help in tracking down the suspect.
• In 2000, the Criminal Investigation Department introduced an advanced computer system from Australia, which could complete a coloured photofit of the suspect within two hours. The system produced very realistic images, with an accuracy rate of 80% to 90%. It could also be modified at any time, thus improving the efficiency of investigations.

In less than two weeks after the crime, the police completed a facial composite of the suspect and distributed the photofit to police stations and neighbourhood police posts in the various sub-districts to seek out the man. However, the man’s whereabouts remained unknown for years. (Lianhe Zaobao, 10/1/2021)

• In 2015, the Singapore Police Force launched a mobile app called Speed Photofit. Designed by an electrical engineering student at the National University of Singapore, the app enables an eyewitness to quickly sketch a suspect’s appearance on their phone through piecing together facial features. The resulting photofit is then sent the police for them to take action, and simultaneously alert the public to look out for the suspect.