Table of Contents (Forensic Podiatry)
Introduction
Forensic podiatry is a subfield of forensic science that examines foot-related evidence in the context of a criminal investigation using specialized podiatric knowledge, such as foot and lower-limb anatomy, musculoskeletal function, deformities and diseases of the foot, ankle, lower extremities, and occasionally the entire human body.
Forensic podiatry is the application of researched podiatry knowledge and experience to establish an individual’s connection to a crime site or to provide an answer to any other legal query involving the foot or footwear that necessitates knowledge of the functioning foot.
For identification purposes, investigating footwear associated with a crime scene is a multidisciplinary endeavour. In forensic footwear investigations, podiatrists are typically tasked with establishing a link or disconnection between a suspect and footwear that has already been associated with the crime scene.
In this particular context, a podiatrist assesses footwear by examining, contrasting, and evaluating the wear characteristics of the insole/sock liner and internal and external elements of the shoe’s upper structure and outsole.
Footprints Impression Detection At The Crime Scene
Additionally, the forensic podiatrist may desire to examine the suspected wearer or wearers of the shoes for characteristics of the foot that could serve as additional linking or disassociating elements, in addition to comparing known and questioned footwear items.
Forensic podiatry involves analyzing and interpreting:
- Bare footprints (static and dynamic)
- Footwear features (wear and fit)
- Podiatrists’ clinical records
- Gait analysis, examining individuals’ gait captured on CCTV and analyzing footprints at crime scenes.
History of Forensic Podiatry
| 1937 | Norman Gunn, a Canadian podiatric physician, pioneered forensic podiatry. |
| 1972 | Norman Gunn, a Canadian podiatric physician, pioneered forensic podiatry. |
| 1989 | Wesley Vernon, the UK podiatrist, starts forensic podiatry research and casework. |
| 1990s | John DiMaggio, a US podiatric physician, begins forensic podiatry casework. |
| 2003 | The American Society of Forensic Podiatry was established. |
| 2007 | IAI publishes a document defining forensic podiatrists’ role and scope of practice. |
| 2009 | IAI publishes a document defining the role and scope of practice for forensic podiatrists. |
| 2011 | UK regulator drafts standards for forensic gait analysis. The second edition of the forensic podiatry textbook was published. |
| 2013 | M-level course in forensic podiatry developed at the University of Huddersfield. The first forensic podiatry textbook was written. |
| 2014 | UK regulator drafts standards for forensic gait analysis. The second edition of the Forensic Podiatry textbook was published. |
| 2016 | The forensic podiatry approach to bare footprint analysis meets the US Supreme Court’s standard of admissibility. |
| 2017 | UK regulator drafts standards for forensic gait analysis. The second edition of the forensic podiatry textbook was published. |
| 2018 | Contemporary Developments: Formal forensic podiatry class at New York College of Podiatric Medicine.Standards of practice for forensic gait analysis are being developed in the UK (anticipated completion in early 2018). |
Collection of Prints
Once the specific regions where bare footprints could exist at a crime scene have been identified, the objective will be to gather and, if needed, improve the print for analysis. Collection might occur before enhancement, or vice versa. Before collection, enhancement typically occurs when collecting at the scene involves photography.
Scientific investigation indicates that photographs of footprints found at crime scenes are the predominant evidence submitted to podiatrists for further analysis, rather than using the physical footprints themselves or acquiring three-dimensional footprints by casting methods.
Forensic podiatry approaches follow the ACE-V methodology widely utilised in forensic research and practice. ACE stands for the process of analyzing, comparing, and evaluating a piece of evidence with reference material, such as a shoe, bare footprint, or recording of a suspect’s walk.
Verification involves the thorough examination of the evidence by a peer forensic professional to determine if they arrive at the same findings as the reporting specialist.
Identification work frequently uses forensic light sources to illuminate details that may be difficult to discern with the unaided eye. The application of such apparatus has demonstrated its worth in emphasizing exceedingly faint footprints that might be found on sock liners or shoe insoles. These light sources comprise potent, height-adjustable lanterns illuminating an extensive spectrum of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared wavelengths.
Physical evidence is commonly recognized to exist at two levels, referred to as class and identification level features. Class-level features exhibit uniformity and harmony rather than distinctiveness, whereas identification-level traits are recognized as unique. Forensic podiatrists focus solely on class-level characteristics, even though certain aspects within this category might exhibit significant degrees of individual distinctiveness.
Lifting
Lifting techniques may be applied when a two-dimensional bare footprint is available for examination. There are several methods for enhancing two-dimensional images. These methods include glue and gelatine lifts, which make it possible to gather dusty prints. Electrostatic lifts employ static electricity to gather dirty prints and silicone-based solutions that stick to prints and remove them when set. Regardless of the lifting technique, the print should always be photographed before it is lifted in case something goes wrong and ruins it.
Casting
The most effective technique for capturing and eliminating three-dimensional bare footprints or foot imprints is casting. Different grades of dental stone, silicon-based materials, alginates, paraffin wax, and sulfur are among the materials that can be used for casting.
Some of these techniques, such as paraffin wax and sulfur, enable the casting of prints made in snow. Similar to lifting procedures, photographing the three-dimensional prints before casting is a standard procedure to ensure no damage to the print during the casting process.
Photography
The last technique to be taken into account for getting the prints is photography, which should be applied in addition to any other techniques for getting footprints.
Advantages of Forensic Podiatry
Here are some advantages of forensic podiatry:
1. Footwear evidence can be very informative for crime scene reconstruction. It can provide lots of information about a suspect, including their shoe size, the type of shoe, and even their gait pattern.
2. In the case of an injured foot or lower limb, the impression forms unevenly, which can also provide important clues about a suspect.
3. Footwear or gait pattern analysis can link suspects to multiple crimes to determine if the same person made them.
4. Forensic podiatrists may provide expert opinion in court, explaining the significance of foot-related evidence to judges and juries.
Drawbacks of Forensic Podiatry
Forensic podiatry can provide valuable evidence and insight into crime scene investigations, but there are also some drawbacks to this field:
1. Foot-related evidence, such as shoe prints and footprints, may not always be available at crime scenes or not in identifiable condition, which can limit the scope of forensic podiatry as a tool for criminal investigations.
2. The assessment and analysis of footprint impressions and evidence can be subjective, and the experts’ opinions on the same evidence may vary, leading to disagreements and inconsistencies in the interpretation of evidence, undermining the reliability of forensic podiatry as a forensic tool.
3. Forensic podiatry is a relatively new field, and more research needs to be conducted, making it difficult to establish best practices and standard examination procedures in forensic podiatry.
4. The analysis of foot-related or shoeprint evidence may require specialized equipment and trained experts, which can be time-consuming and expensive. This can be a drawback in those cases where resources are limited or where the analysis of foot-related evidence is not considered a high priority.
Conclusion
Forensic podiatry is an emerging field that involves the analysis of foot-related evidence for investigation. This can provide valuable insights and evidence in various criminal cases, from burglaries and robberies to homicides and assaults. It is important to note that forensic podiatrists must have a deep understanding of foot anatomy and biomechanics and the ability to analyze foot-related evidence meticulously and accurately.
While forensic podiatry can be a valuable tool in criminal investigations, it also has its limitations and potential drawbacks, such as the limited scope of evidence, subjectivity in analysis, limited research, and cost and time constraints. Despite these challenges, forensic podiatry can be an essential asset to law enforcement and legal professionals, providing crucial evidence and expert testimony in criminal cases.
Sources & References
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