TEST IMPRESSIONS OF FOOTWEAR OUTSOLES USING BIOFOAM

• NCJ Number: 146725
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 44 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-February 1994) Pages: 57-70
• Author(s): S G Drexler
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: This article appeared in its original form in the Southern Association of Forensic Scientists Newsletter, V 21, N 1 (1993).

Annotation

This article concerns the use of footwear impressions as evidence in investigations.

Abstract

Questioned footwear evidence submitted to forensic laboratories for comparison to known shoes consists of either two-dimensional (photographs) or three-dimensional (stone casts) representations supplemented by photography. The photography and cast often complement each other; however, a good quality three-dimensional cast can contain substantially more detail. The article contains suggested methods for producing test impressions, and examines the possibility of retrieving a quality cast from a trademarked material known as Biofoam. Although several materials have been recommended in the past for making three-dimensional test impressions, Biofoam proved to be superior to all. The technique is inexpensive, quick, and easy. However, there are some disadvantages, which are discussed in the conclusion. 3 references