The Forensic Analysis of Footwear Impression Evidence
Introduction
Many Police Forces worldwide are starting to use the services of Podiatrists to solve crimes involving Footprint Evidence or commonly known as Footware Impression Evidence. This is a complex science that can show detailed foot abnormalities from the tread pattern and pressure points to detailed abnormalities of gait patterns can be identified. The shoe imprint of the suspect can then be compared to the evidence of the print at the crime scene. The article below has more information on the subject.
The basis for footwear impression evidence is determining the source of a footwear impression recovered from a crime scene. The process of examining footwear impression evidence takes into account class and identifying characteristics. Class characteristics are those characteristics that result from the manufacturing process, such as physical size, design, and mold characteristics. In contrast, identifying characteristics do not result from the manufacturing process, but are accidental, unpredictable characteristics that result from wear. Identifying characteristics include objects that have become attached to the outsole—such as rocks, thumb tacks, or tape—or marks on the outsole caused by cuts, nicks, gouges, and scratches.
More on this article here.
http://www2.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/july2009/review/2009_07_review02.htm
