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Super-Recognizer Andy Pope recognizes criminals in pictures

2021-01-19T23:22:38.973Z


The policeman Andy Pope has already recognized more than 2000 criminals. How does he do that? And how can you find out if you have this special gift?


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Andy Pope: "I thought anyone could do that."

Photo: West Midlands Police

SPIEGEL:

Mr. Pope, what is the first thing you look at when you meet someone?

Andy Pope:

My eyebrows help me to identify people.

They are unique to everyone.

Otherwise, I look at the face as a whole, unless someone has something as noticeable as a scar or a mole.

SPIEGEL:

You are one of the few people in the world who can remember countless faces and even years later recognize criminals in crowds in surveillance videos.

You have already identified more than 2,000 criminals for the police.

When did you realize you had this special ability?

Pope:

My boss pointed this out to me.

He told me that he had never met anyone who recognized so many people.

It is not normal what I am doing.

SPIEGEL:

Did you never notice that before?

Pope:

Well, maybe on TV.

I actually always know which actor has played elsewhere.

Even if I saw the series or films years ago.

I used to tell my wife this too, but I thought it was something anyone could do.

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Source: spiegel

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