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Footwear Impression Evidence

NCJ Number
129145
Author(s)
W J Bodziak
Date Published
1990
Length
421 pages
Annotation
This book provides practical information about materials and techniques that are essential to locating and collecting footwear impression evidence at crime scene.
Abstract
Extensive casework experience in the FBI laboratory, reference materials, and photographs as well as footwear impression seminars and classes from the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA are the source of the information. Methods are described in detail for detecting and retrieving footwear impressions at the crime scene and cover search procedures; photography; examination quality; and casting, lifting, and physical and chemical enhancement techniques. Evaluation and treatment of the footwear requires forensic considerations of sizing systems and manufacturing processes as well as obtaining the known shoes from the suspect and making test impressions. Wear characteristics and class and identifying characteristics are then discussed in reference to examination of the questioned impression. Specific attention is given to expert witness testimony and courtroom procedures. A listing of footwear impression products is included together with references and a glossary. Tables and photographs