A new method for the recovery and evidential comparison of footwear impressions using 3D structured light scanning. Issue 3 (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thompson, T.J.U.; Norris, P.
• Is Part Of: Science & justice. Volume 58:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 237
• Page End: 243
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Forensic evidence -- Footwear impression -- Non-contact scanning -- Structured light -- Rapid prototyping -- Digital transformation; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Criminal investigation -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Criminalistique -- Périodiques; Enquêtes criminelles -- Périodiques; Criminal investigation; Forensic sciences; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2018.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-0306

Abstract

Abstract: Footwear impressions are one of the most common forms of evidence to be found at a crime scene, and can potentially offer the investigator a wealth of intelligence. Our aim is to highlight a new and improved technique for the recovery of footwear impressions, using three-dimensional structured light scanning. Results from this preliminary study demonstrate that this new approach is non-destructive, safe to use and is fast, reliable and accurate. Further, since this is a digital method, there is also the option of digital comparison between items of footwear and footwear impressions, and an increased ability to share recovered footwear impressions between forensic staff thus speeding up the investigation. Highlights: We present a new method for recovering footwear impressions. The method is non-destructive, fast and repeatable. We demonstrate that 3D comparisons are possible.