Super Recognisers: Interview with Kelly Desborough
In the latest episode of Titan PI TV, host and managing director of Titan Private Investigation, Simon Henson, delves into the fascinating world of super recognisers. Joined by Kelly Desborough, founder of Face Detect and one of the world’s leading super recognisers, the episode sheds light on this extraordinary skill and its applications in security, surveillance, and beyond.
What Are Super Recognisers?
Super recognisers are individuals with an innate ability to remember and identify faces with remarkable accuracy. Unlike the average person, they never forget a face, even after a fleeting glance. As Kelly explains, this ability is not something that can be learned or trained—it’s a natural gift.
The science behind this phenomenon lies in a part of the brain called the fusiform gyrus, which is responsible for facial recognition. While some people suffer from prosopagnosia, or face blindness, super recognisers are at the opposite end of the spectrum. They represent a mere 1% of the population, making their skill incredibly rare and valuable.
Kelly, who holds some of the highest scores in super recogniser testing globally, describes her ability as akin to seeing a face in high definition amidst a blurry crowd. “You could give me a mugshot of a person of interest, and I could pick them out of a crowd of 40,000 people,” she says. This extraordinary talent has made her a sought-after expert in the field.
The Journey to Recognition
Kelly’s journey to discovering her unique ability was serendipitous. For years, she assumed everyone recognised faces the way she did. It wasn’t until she read a Peter James crime novel that mentioned super recognisers that she realised her skill was exceptional. Intrigued, she took an online test and scored exceptionally high, leading her to further testing at Greenwich University, the world leader in super recogniser research.
For those who suspect they might have this ability, Kelly recommends starting with the quick test available on her website, facedetect.co.uk. Scoring well on this initial test can lead to more rigorous assessments at Greenwich University, which can confirm whether someone is indeed a super recogniser.
Applications in Security and Surveillance
The practical applications of super recognisers are vast, particularly in the fields of security and surveillance. Kelly and her team are often deployed at large-scale events, working alongside security teams to identify persons of interest, such as known stalkers or potential protesters. Their role is not to replace existing security measures but to enhance them, adding an extra layer of precision and expertise.
One of the most striking examples of Kelly’s work involved a surveillance operation in one of London’s busiest intersections. Tasked with identifying a person of interest among thousands of commuters, Kelly’s ability to instantly recognise the individual ensured the operation’s success. “For me, it’s as though the crowd is blurry, and the person I’m looking for is in HD,” she explains.
Super recognisers are also invaluable in producing facial comparison reports for private investigations. These detailed reports, which analyse the scientific features of a face, can serve as critical evidence in legal and investigative contexts.
Beyond Security: A Growing Field
While the majority of super recognisers work within police forces, Kelly is the only civilian running a business dedicated to this skill. Her company, Face Detect, collaborates with a range of clients, from private investigators to major event venues. Recently, her team was deployed at high-profile events for one of the UK’s largest arena businesses, where their efforts in identifying potential threats have been met with resounding success.
Despite the growing recognition of super recognisers, Kelly acknowledges that the field is still in its infancy. “It’s not something you can give up your day job for just yet,” she says. However, she remains optimistic about the future, envisioning a time when super recognisers are a standard addition to security teams worldwide.
How to Get Involved
For those interested in exploring their potential as a super recogniser, the first step is to take the initial test on Kelly’s website. If successful, further testing at Greenwich University can confirm their abilities. Kelly is always on the lookout for exceptional individuals to join her team, but she emphasises that the role requires more than just a high score. “It’s about being able to represent the company professionally and work effectively in high-pressure environments,” she says.
The Future of Super Recognition
As awareness of super recognisers grows, so too does the demand for their unique skills. From assisting police investigations to enhancing security at major events, their contributions are proving invaluable. Kelly’s work is a testament to the potential of this rare ability, and her efforts to push the field forward are paving the way for a new era in security and surveillance.
In closing, Simon Henson encourages viewers to explore their own potential. “If you think you’re a super recogniser, take the test at facedetect.co.uk and see where it leads,” he says. With the right combination of talent and opportunity, the possibilities are endless.
This episode of Titan PI TV offers a captivating glimpse into the world of super recognisers, highlighting their extraordinary abilities and the critical role they play in keeping us safe. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more insights into the fascinating world of private investigation.
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