NCRPO: It's now 'facial composite,' not 'sketch'

Manila, Philippines - Police officers in Metro Manila will now use the term “facial composite” instead of “cartographic sketch” to refer to a drawing of a person’s face based on a description provided by a witness.

In a July 19 memorandum issued to all police districts in Metro Manila, National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Alan Purisima said the change in terminology is part of ongoing efforts to standardize investigative procedures and processes.

Purisima said that based on extensive consultations, cartography means the study and practice of making maps.

He also said the term “computerized criminal composite illustration (CCCI),” used by the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory to refer to a computer-generated image based on the description of a witness, is a brand name and only used for criminals.

Purisima directed all district directors to start using the term facial composite in all their communications and reports.