#shoeprints

Footprints or shoeprints often play a significant role in criminal investigations. In many cases, investigators gain valuable insights from these impressions, which can provide clues about the perpetrator or the events that occurred. #forensicscience

Continue reading Shoe Brands and Their Use in Forensic Science

Question- What is Footprints?

Answer- Footprints (or footmarks) are the impressions or images left behind by a person walking or running.

Question- What is the Purpose of Investigation of Footprint?

Answer- The purpose of the present investigation is to study the shape, size, alignment of toes, humps, creases, cuts, cracks, pits, etc., of the foot so as to draw conclusions for individualizing characteristics. It helps in establishing a relationship between the accused and crime.

Question- What are the three types of footprints?

Answer-1) Visible Print- A visible print is a transfer of material from the shoe or tire to the surface. This kind can be observed through naked eye without extra aids.

2.) Latent Print- A latent print is not easily observable to the bare eye. This is formed by static charges between the sole or tread and the surface. Investigators uses powders, chemicals and alternate light sources to observe these prints.

3.) Plastic Print- A plastic print is a 3D impression left on a soft surface. This includes shoe or tire tracks left in sand, mud or snow.

Others Types Of Footprints: 1) Phalange marks- Phalange marks are created by the phalanges of the toes and are imprinted in form of toe stems.

2) Crease marks- Crease marks are caused by skin folds of the plantar surface of the foot. Some of the folds are long lasting while others are not. Both types of creases form useful evidence to identify individuals.

3) Pits, corns, deformity and crack marks- It is well known that the individuals who have the habit of walking barefooted, their plantar surface forms pits, corns, cracks, cuts, etc. They have their corresponding marks in the imprints.