The Economics of Everyday Things 98. Police Sketches
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Jul 7, 2025 
Lois Gibson, a renowned forensic artist, brings nearly 40 years of experience with the Houston Police Department, having created over 1,300 police sketches that have led to arrests. She reveals the challenges of transforming witness memories into accurate drawings and discusses the unique role of forensic art when technology fails. Gibson highlights the pitfalls of relying on eyewitness accounts and the legal implications of mistaken identities. Her stories showcase the powerful collaboration between law enforcement and artistry in solving crimes.
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Lois Gibson's Traumatic Start
- Lois Gibson survived a violent attack before becoming a forensic artist for the Houston Police Department.
- She worked there for over three decades and contributed to over 1,300 police sketches leading to arrests.
Handling Trauma with Empathy
- Begin with easing the witness into conversation to handle trauma before sketching.
- Gather basic descriptive details before starting the composite sketch process.
Why Hand Drawn Sketches Work Better
- Computer-generated sketches appear too precise and photographic, discouraging public tips.
- Hand-drawn sketches suggest approximation, encouraging the public to contribute leads.