Career Quest

A facial reconstructionist is someone who does corpse identification by means of different techniques. Techniques include two dimensional facial reconstruction that involves portraiture and pencil sketching and three dimensional facial reconstruction that involves sculpting with modeling clay. To confirm the identity of a corpse, mummified fingerprinting and skull to photo video superimposition are techniques used and this is done by means of electronic equipment (electronic photographics). Two dimensional facial restoration is a technique used when a corpse is less decomposed.

What are the minimum requirements to become a Facial Reconstructionist?

To be appointed as a facial reconstuctionist one should have at least a B Sc Degree with Art as a subject up to Grade 12 OR a BA Fine Arts with knowledge of astrology, anatomy and/or archeology.

Training:

Once you are employed as a facial reconstructionist you may receive further in house training such as artistic enhancement and Forensic Biology Case Work that is presented by the South African Police Service.

Where can you be stationed?

The facial Reconstructionist Forensic Analyst works at the Biology Unit, Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria.

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