Footwear Evidence Impressions Prints

Summary What is footwear evidence? How is it involved in crime scenes? How is it collected? How is it analyzed?

What is footwear evidence? Prints left at crime scene.

Classification of Impressions: Footwear Evidence Classification of Impressions: Plastic-3-D Shoeprint made in soft material (dirt, snow) Requires making a cast of the print .

:Patent(visible) Dirt or other material picked up by shoe. Footwear Evidence :Patent(visible) Dirt or other material picked up by shoe.

Footwear Evidence :Latent-hidden

: Can leave behind barely visible dust Footwear Evidence : Can leave behind barely visible dust Can leave impression in polish/wax/dust

Why shoes? Most suspects wear shoes. Can provide class characteristics Footwear Evidence Why shoes? Most suspects wear shoes. Can provide class characteristics Size, gender, style Burglar Shoes

What information can shoe prints provide? Footwear Evidence What information can shoe prints provide? Link suspect or victim to scenes Location of prints can: Lead to more evidence Refute alibis Gait or Tracking information?

COLLECTION of Footwear evidence Footwear Evidence > Collection COLLECTION of Footwear evidence . 1. photograph 2. lifting latent print-luminol, dusting, electrostatic lift or gel lift 3. casting plastic impression

Recovery of Footwear evidence Footwear Evidence > Collection Recovery of Footwear evidence Some prints can be visualized by darkening a room and using a bright light at a low angle.

After photo, 2-D print can be lifted: Electrostatic Lifting: A charge is used to lift dry materials from surface to black film. Non-destructive Photographed for evidence

After photo, 2-D print can be lifted: Footwear Evidence > Collection After photo, 2-D print can be lifted: Dusting: Fingerprint powder

3-D impression can be highlighted Footwear Evidence > Collection 3-D impression can be highlighted Spraying with colored wax spray

CASTING a 3-D impression Footwear Evidence > Collection CASTING a 3-D impression Cast picks up detail; is durable

Analysis of Footwear Evidence: Footwear Evidence > Analysis Analysis of Footwear Evidence: Class Characteristics can be used to INCLUDE or EXCLUDE a suspect. Size Tread Pattern Suspect shoe ( CONTROL) compared.

Analysis of Footwear Evidence: Footwear Evidence > Analysis Analysis of Footwear Evidence: Individual Characteristics can be used to identify an exact shoe. Cuts, defects, wear and tear,or other .