Forensic Footwear Analysis

Although advances in DNA testing and digital forensics have increased the power of forensic evidence, it’s important not to forget that traditional areas of forensic science. These methods remain powerful tools for associating an individual directly with a crime scene. This is particularly true with regard to footwear marks found at a crime scene. An attending SOCO will pay attention to the presence of footwear marks at the point of entry to a crime scene. They may observe them in mud or soil below a window, on a broken-down door, on a shard of glass, or on the floor of a violated property.

In crimes involving an assault, footwear marks may also appear on the skin of the victim or even in bloodstains. This type of footwear mark examination poses significant problems to an expert given the inherent difficulties of matching marks on an elastic medium such as skin. Indeed, in many cases encountered by Bericon, Prosecution experts have been asked to comment on the degree of impact. They can assess whether someone kicked, stamped, or trod on the person. Whilst this may be an entirely reasonable question, it is practically impossible for any expert to offer a definitive view.