When a crime is committed, it is almost unavoidable that footwear would come into contact with at least one surface. If any marks can be found, then comparison with a suspect’s footwear may provide useful or even a conclusive link of a shoe to a scene.

The location and medium footwear marks are made in can provide useful information to help in the reconstruction of incidents or identifying a sequence of events. Detailed examination of marks at a scene can also help to corroborate or contradict accounts given by a suspect or a witness.

Cellmark’s highly skilled team can also examine marks on skin as a result of assault/murder involving kicking.

Not only is it possible to compare marks on skin with the sole of a shoe, it is also possible that details from the uppers of the shoe may be reproduced on the skin.

Their work is carried out in a team with a full range of complementary skills relating to the recovery, preservation and analysis of trace evidence and biological materials.

This enables the results of any comparison to be considered within the context of all of the scientific findings to maximise the overall effectiveness of the scientific outcomes.

Specialist expertisein recovery, preservation,

enhancement & analysis

16 Blacklands Way, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire. OX14 1DY, UKTel: +44 (0)1235 528609 Fax: +44 (0)1235 554147www.cellmarkforensics.co.uk

Unit B1, Buckshaw Link, Ordnance Road, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 7EL, UKTel: +44 (0)1235 528609 Fax: +44 (0)1235 554147www.cellmarkforensics.co.uk

IDENTIFICATION

INTERPRETATION

INNOVATION

Introduction

Footwear is a basic wardrobe item and there are many manufacturers producing a range of footwear with a vast range of different under surface patterns.

When an item of footwear comes into contact with a surface, a two-dimensional mark may be left. The mark may be visible or it might be latent, requiring physical or chemical development to reveal the mark. If the contact is with a soft deformable surface, a three- dimensional impression may be left.

If a mark, or the item bearing it, can be recovered, it is possible to compare it with an item of footwear suspected of having made it by checking characteristics that the shoe acquires as a result of being worn, such as the pattern, distribution and amount of wear or damage to different areas of the shoe. Iffeatures corresponding in position, size and shape with damage to a shoe can be found in a mark, an unequivocal link can be established between the shoe and the mark.

Footwear/02/17

IDENTIFICATION

INTERPRETATION

INNOVATION

When is it useful? FOOTWEAR & FOOTWEAR MARKS - providing real-time intelligence

Through examination of a footwear impression, the forensic scientist may provide the investigator with valuable information about the footwear and sometimes even about the wearer. The characteristics of an impression can be so unique that it provides for identification with a suspect shoe.

Cellmark has the facilities to record, recover and enhance marks through the use of detailed photography, using a range of lifting techniques, casting and using physical and chemical development methods.

Our scientists are experienced in assessing the potential significance of the location and types of marks discovered and in using the information gathered to assist the process of reconstructing potential sequences of events including the mapping of scenes to describe the movements of people.

We are committed to delivering a swift, responsive service to assist police in the rapid resolution of criminal cases.

F O O T W E A R & F O O T W E A R M A R K S - p r o v i d i n g r e a l - t i m e i n t e l l i g e n c e

The first application of a footwear impression as evidence in a crime investigation can be dated back to the Richardson murder case in 1786 in Scotland. The investigator recognised that a positive identification could be made through a comparison between a footwear impression made at the crime scene and the sole of a questioned shoe.

In addition to being a reliable piece of evidence of a person’s presence, a footwear impression can reveal vital information about the wearer, such as body size, shoe size, and walk style. Ultimately, its internal characteristics, such as size, pattern, and damage, may constitute sufficient details to identify a specific shoe.

Case study

Footwear marks discovered at the scenes of two murders were linked due to an unusual boot sole pattern.

Marks left in blood at one scene linked the suspect to that murder through both DNA and footwear marks.

The same footwear marks at the second murder scene were mapped to show movement around the property.

This was used to disprove the suspect’s claimed version of events.

2-dimensional marks

Submit whole item if possible, e.g. papers, cardboard, broken glass, clothing, door, etc. If this is not possible, photograph with two scales at right angles to each other around the mark. Keep the camera film plane parallel with the mark. Supply images in digital format on a CD or full-sized photographic prints.

For dry and dusty marks, use electrostatic lifting prior to any other techniques. If the mark was wet or damp, but subsequently dried, use black gelatine lifters or powder and lift with black gelatine.

Package each item separately in a box or folder, secure and seal effectively. Ensure marked surfaces are protected. Do not place footwear marks directly into polythene bags due to static. When submitting photographs, provide the negatives or full-size black & white prints.

Electrostatic lifts should be mounted into hard folders or secured into the base of a box using masking tape. Never discard a lift until it has been examined using the right conditions – in the dark using an oblique light.

3-dimensional marks

Photograph the mark with scales, in situ and supply images in digital format on a CD.

Try to ensure that the scales are at the same level as the mark – if this is not possible, measure the depth of the mark below the scales.

Cast the mark, preferably using dental stone. If this is not available, plaster will suffice. Ensure cast is dry.

When submitting photographs, provide either the negatives or actual size prints.

Pack in a sturdy container, protecting the appropriate surfaces.

DO NOT remove adhering material from the cast.