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• Ghosting occurred most frequently on the 1st and 2nd toe of the footprint. • Ghosting was present on all ten toes of the footprints in only 2.94% of participants. • Footprint measurements with ghosting are significantly higher. • More accurate estimates of stature are from measurements with ghosting. In cases where multiple footprints are found at a crime scene, it is unusual that all are static, and some are likely dynamic. Depending on how the footprint was made, we distinguish between dynamic and static footprints. A distinguishing feature that has only recently been associated with dynamic footprints is the fact that dynamic footprints differ from static footprints by the presence of additional markings around the back of the heel and the tops of the toe prints, the so-called ghosting phenomenon. The present study aims to analyse the ghosting phenomenon on dynamic footprints – its occurrence in relation to sex, laterality, and different areas of footprints as well as length features. Additionally, it aims to investigate the assessment of the ghosting phenomenon on dynamic footprints when estimating stature for biological profiling in the forensic field. The study sample comprised of 170 young adults aged 18 – 30 years of both biological sexes. Stature was measured and dynamic footprints were obtained where the ghosting phenomenon was analysed together with length measurements of the same footprint with and without ghosting. In the first and second toes of footprints, the ghosting phenomenon occurred most frequently in both sexes and in the sex-mixed group. Sex differences were not significant in ghosting occurrence on right and left footprints (p > 0.05), except for the area of the left fifth toe (p = 0.045). All the footprints' lengths with ghosting were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than those without ghosting. Statures calculated from footprint length measurements with ghosting predicted stature more accurately than statures calculated from the same footprint length measurements without ghosting. In the case of finding dynamic footprints at crime scenes, it is necessary to correctly identify and evaluate ghosting of the footprint. This comparison can be helpful in interpreting how ghosting should be taken into account when estimating a person's stature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Comparison of foot insole impressions using the Reel measurement methodology. • Measurements to the first and fourth toes were least variable. • Measurements from the heel to the third and fifth toes were most variable. • Foot insole impressions were assessed by experienced and inexperienced analysts. • The measurements of experienced analysts were more precise. In forensic podiatry, footprints have been shown to provide a valuable source of discriminatory information. Footprints may be found in various forms, such as bare footprints, sock-clad footprints, or as impressions on insoles within footwear. This study utilized quantitative measures of foot impressions on pairs of insoles from shoes worn by the same person from a population of 31 adults. The measurements were determined by using the Reel method and comprised measurements from the heel to the tips of the toes and width of the ball. The purpose of the study was to assess the margin of error for these measurements to determine whether they were sufficiently accurate for forensic use. A secondary purpose of this study was to determine whether the analyst's experience or lack thereof in forensic podiatry had an impact on the precision of measurement data. The insole foot impressions were assessed by two podiatrists with forensic podiatry experience in footprint analysis, footprint research, and in using the Reel method of footprint measurement, as well as by three students of podiatric medicine without any such experience. A statistical analysis of the data from the study was performed using SPSS v28 (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). The most reliable measurements were of forefoot width, heel to first toe, heel to second toe, and heel to fourth toe. The greatest variation occurred in the measurements of the heel to the third and fifth toes. The measurements of the forensic podiatrist analysts showed less variability than those of the podiatry students, suggesting that measurement precision is related to the experience of the analyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individualisation is essential when assessing physical evidence that is discovered at a crime scene to connect the evidence to a suspect or victim. Many studies on the identification of an individual from various evidence types have been conducted across the globe. Once identified, a person's sex completes 50% of the individualisation process, which assists the investigator in leading the investigation in a specific direction by narrowing down the pool of suspects. The current study intends to ascertain an individual's sex, be it male or female, based on footprint evidence, which is a highly neglected research area. The present study is part of an anthropometrical research in which seven different footprint measurements, specifically lengths and widths, were recorded and statistically assessed to determine a person's sex from inked bilateral footprints of 132 individuals (61 males and 71 females) aged 18–50 years, who were born in South India. Results: The t-test scores show that the right footprint parameters are similar to the left footprint, except T1 (Length between the pternion and the first toe anterior point) and B1 (Total Ball Breadth) in females. T4_R (Length between the pternion and the fourth toe anterior end of the right foot) exhibited the strongest correlation with sex. In contrast, HB_Index_R (Heel ball index of right foot) exhibited the weakest correlation. The male and female footprints achieved 77% and 93% accuracy rates, respectively. Conclusions: A person's sex can be established, to a satisfactory degree, with the help of individual footprint measurements. Further studies can develop population-specific footprint standards to help investigators hasten the identification process.

• Differences in ghosting in static and dynamic footprints were analyzed. • Footprints from populations in India and the U.S. were compared. • Ghosting occurred less in static footprints than dynamic footprints. • Ghosting occurred most often at the great toe. • Ghosting varied between the United States and India populations. Ghosting is the phenomenon that exists when a footprint has a lighter area around the tip of one or more toes or a shadow-like area at the back of the heel. To date, ghosting has been considered primarily a finding of dynamic (walking) footprints, rather than static (standing) footprints. The prevalence of ghosting in static footprints is unknown, and research on its presence in static and dynamic footprints from the same participant is sparse, as are studies on its occurrence in different geographic populations. This study is among the first to evaluate the occurrence of ghosting in the static and dynamic footprints from a particular individual with participants in two geographic populations. A combination of both inkless and ink footprint collection systems were used to obtain a total of 206 bare footprints from 103 adult participants from the United States and India. The data comprised 103 static and 103 dynamic footprints. Ghosting occurred significantly in static footprints, though less frequently than in dynamic footprints. Ghosting in static footprints was seen most often at the first toe, followed by the third and second respectively. This aspect appeared least at the heel. In dynamic footprints, it occurred most at the first toe, followed by the second and fourth toes, and then the third toe and the heel. The prevalence of ghosting in footprints from the United States and India differed in their locations, notably at the first and second toes in the static footprints and at the heel in the dynamic footprints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Footwear-to-feet comparison dates back to 1935 in England. • Footwear-to-feet comparison has been accepted in courts in numerous countries. • More research publications would be beneficial. • Consideration of the expert's approach is required. Footwear-to-feet examination and analysis refers to the process of examining and analyzing footwear in regard to criminal matters. This examination and analysis has been done to include or exclude an individual as the wearer of the footwear in question and to help associate or disassociate human remains to footwear. This review of the subject describes its investigative applications, the research that underpins the process, and considers its legal admissibility. The process of footwear-to-feet examination and analysis is scientifically valid and has been widely accepted. As a result, law enforcement and forensic scientists should be aware of the use of this process to assist in criminal investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Assessment of footprint contact area (FCA) from static and dynamic footprints and differences between them. • A total of 461 adults (230 males and 231 females) participated from north India. • No statistically significant differences observed between FCA of static and dynamic footprints. • Statistically significant sex differences found in both footprint types. • Implications of the study discussed in the analysis of footprints recovered from the crime scenes. When found at crime scenes, footprints may be evidentially valuable and can assist with the identity of a perpetrator based on their features and/or measurements. Footprints can be either static (made while standing) or dynamic (made while walking). While extensive research has been performed on the linear measurements obtained from static and dynamic footprints, research on the comparisons between the contact area of static and dynamic footprints in the forensic context are limited. The present study compares the contact area of static and dynamic bare footprints to determine if statistically significant differences exist between the two. Static and dynamic footprints were obtained from a sample of randomly-selected 461 Jatt Sikh adults (230 males and 231 females) of Indian origin between the ages of 19 and 32 years. The footprint contact area was calculated from each footprint (excluding the toes) using a PedoGRID® sheet. No statistically significant differences were observed between the contact area of static and dynamic footprints for each foot among males and females. However, statistically significant differences between both the sexes were found in the footprint contact areas of both footprint types. The right dynamic footprint contact area was found to be the most predictive measurement for classifying and estimating sex from a footprint's contact area. The study has implications in the analysis of footprints recovered from crime scenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study introduces 3D data capture to the analysis of insoles in a forensic context. • The study compares three different modes of data capture when using the Gunn methods. • Five of the six measurements of the Gunn method differed significantly between the three modes. • Further investigations need to be conducted on the use of 3D scanners to Forensic Podiatry. Foot impression evidence recovered from crime scenes can be available in the form of barefoot prints, sock-clad footprints, or as impressions within footwear. In some cases, suspects leave their footwear at the scene of the crime, and the insoles from the footwear can be important in linking a person to the footwear. The application of 3D data-collecting technology is becoming more and more popular within forensic science and has been used to recover footwear impression evidence. The present study is a feasibility study to discover if 3D data capturing devices can be applied to insoles; to capture the footprint impression for measurement using the Gunn method (a method used in forensic podiatry casework). Three different methods of data capture were conducted; Adobe Photoshop, MeshLab, and calipers used directly on the insole. Paired t-tests and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were conducted for all three data capture methods. Seven measurements used in this study were significantly different across all three methods. ICC scores were moderate to excellent for the Photoshop method, poor to good for the 3D method, and moderate to excellent for the Direct method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Forensic gait analysis is a new discipline in forensic sciences but gaining popularity worldwide. CCTV camera footages from the scene of a crime can reveal a great detail about the perpetrator, and gait is one of them. Every individual possesses a unique manner of walking, which is the basis of forensic gait analysis. In the absence of CCTV cameras, footprint trails at the crime scene can provide valuable information about the perpetrator. The stature of the perpetrator can be estimated from spatial gait parameters, which can fasten the speed of the identification process. However, previous studies of the spatial gait parameters did not explore the possibility to estimate the body weight from spatial gait parameters. In the present study, two variables of spatial gait parameters, namely “base of gait” and “area swept in one stride,” were taken for the estimation of body weight. Methodology A sample of 388 adult males ranging in age from 18 to 30 years was taken for the present study. The data were collected from villages situated in district Ludhiana, Punjab, North India. Body weight of each participant was taken using a standard methodology. Two spatial gait parameters namely “base of gait” and the “area swept in one stride” were recorded from the dynamic footprints of the participants using the standard methodology and the novel technique devised by one of the authors (BS) respectively. After checking the normality of the data, a parametric t test statistics showed no bilateral asymmetry in both the gait parameters. Results Spatial gait parameters, i.e., base of gait (left R = 0.255, right R = 0.243) and area swept in one stride (left R = 0.204, right R = 0.221) showed positive, weak, but significant correlation with the body weight of the person. Linear and multiple regression models for the body weight estimation were developed in the present study. The highest accuracy in body weight estimation (SEE = 12.54) was achieved from the left base of gait. The multiple regression models indicate no improvement in the estimation error. Conclusion It can be concluded from the present study that the body weight of a person can be predicted from the spatial gait parameters to some extent. However, the weak values of the correlation and higher values of estimation error suggest that the base of gait and area swept in one stride should only be used in such situations when other means of body weight estimation cannot be applied.

• The study compares bare footprints and foot impressions on insoles using a linear measurements. • Five of the seven measures on the bare footprints and the insole foot impressions did not differ. • CALC and A1 measures differed significantly between the bare footprints and foot impressions. • Potential implications in the forensic analysis of foot impression evidence on footwear insoles. Footwear may be found at crime scenes as physical evidence. Such footwear often has impression features of the wearer's foot on the insole of the shoe. Scientific research and literature have established that footprints are distinct. This study compares two-dimensional measurements on bare footprints to foot impressions on insoles to determine if significant differences or similarities exist. Dynamic footprints were collected from 51 donors using the Identicator® Inkless Shoe Print Model LE 25P system. Seven foot length and width measurements were taken based on the Reel linear measurement method. Footprint measurements between bare footprints and foot impressions on the insoles were compared. Only two differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the various bare footprint and insole foot impression measurements on the right and left side for most of the measurements, CALC (p < 0.001) and A1 (p = 0.04). Bare footprint and insole A5 measurements on the left side were also significantly different (p = 0.015). The results of the study have implications in the forensic analysis of foot impression evidence on insoles in footwear in assisting with identifying the wearer of said footwear. Situations may arise in the forensic context when comparing the foot impression on the insole of footwear to a suspect's bare footprint or a footprint from post-mortem remains. This study contributes to the scant literature available on the topic and to understanding the similarities and differences observed in the various linear measurements that may be utilized in the comparison process of footprint impressions on shoe insoles to bare footprints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gait is one biological characteristic which has attracted strong research interest due to its potential use in human identification. Although almost two decades have passed since a forensic gait expert has testified to the identity of a perpetrator in court, the methods remain insufficiently robust, considering the recent paradigm shift witnessed in the forensic science community regarding quality of evidence. In contrast, technological advancements have taken the lead, and research into automated gait recognition has greatly surpassed forensic gait analysis in terms of the size of acquired datasets and demographic variability of participants, tested variables, and statistical evaluation of results. Despite these advantages, gait recognition presents with different problems which are yet to be resolved. Therefore, courts should treat gait evidence with caution, as they should any other form of evidence originating from disciplines without fully established codes of practice, error rates, and demonstrable applications in forensic scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Footprints may be present at crime scenes as physical evidence. This pilot study compares two-dimensional measurements of bare and sock-clad footprints to determine if significant differences or similarities exist. Dynamic footprints were collected from 30 males and 20 females between the ages of 20 and 61 years old (mean of 28.2 years) using the Identicator Inkless Shoe Print Model LE 25P system. A midgait protocol was employed for obtaining footprints. The fifth and sixth footprint of gait were collected for the right and left foot, respectively, in both sock-clad and barefoot trials. The footprint measurements between sock-clad and bare footprints were compared. The results did not indicate any significant difference (p >.05) between bare and sock-clad foot length measurements for right or left feet. Significant differences were seen for the width measurements between bare and sock-clad footprints. These findings have forensic implications, particularly in criminal cases where it is unclear if a footprint impression is from a sock-clad foot or a bare foot. This study shows that such a determination is generally not necessary when utilizing two-dimensional measurements for length comparison between a bare and sock-clad footprint. However, if width measurements are being evaluated, the distinction between bare and sock-clad footprints should be considered. Highlights • Quantitative measurements and analysis of bare and sock-clad footprints of 50 participants. • Utilization of the Reel method of footprint analysis. • No significant differences between the various lengths of bare and sock-clad footprints. • Differences are significant between various width measurements of bare and sock-clad footprints. • Valuable in forensic analysis of footprint evidence recovered at crime scenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to address the issue of footwear capture from individuals arrested for recordable crime, technology has been developed, which is known as Tread Finder. This technology and development was made possible through Home Office Police Innovation Funding. Tread Finder is now a finished product and the technology has been deployed into a North London custody suite. Tread Finder incorporates the use of a 300 dpi scanner and newly developed software enabling capture, assisted coding and automated geographical crime scene searching. This paper sets out the proposal of a Randomised Control Trial to replicate and upscale a previous lab based experiment into a field environment to assess the cost, efficiency and crime solving benefits realised as a result of deploying Tread Finder technology compared with the previous paper based alternative.

Highlights • Body weight and stature prediction equations from footprints were developed. • No intersexual and bilateral differences were found. • The lateral diameters of footprint show the highest accuracy. • The non-contact fifth toe was observed in maximum 7% of footprints. • The trend of under- and overestimation was identified. Abstract The stature and the body weight as part of the biological profile can aid the personal identification. The dimensions of the human foot, as well as the footprint, can be used for the prediction due to the existence of its positive correlation with the stature and body weight. Five diagonal axes and ball breadth of bilateral static footprints of 132 young Slovak adults were obtained. All diameters were larger in a male group than female group. No bilateral differences were found except the first diagonal axis and ball breadth. A positive correlations between the selected footprint diameters with the stature (r = 0.37–0.64) and the body weight (r = 0.29–0.71) were confirmed. The linear and multiple regression prediction equations were developed. A stature prediction equation using the most lateral diameters (the fourth and fifth diagonal axis) exhibited the highest accuracy ranging from 4 to 7.5 cm. Similar results were found for the body weight estimation of the male and mixed group. In the female group, the most medial axis (first and second) exhibited the highest accuracy. The body weight estimation accuracy ranges from 9.09 to 11.09 kg. The real and predicted stature and body weight were compared and found differences were lower than calculated SEEs. Thresholds and prediction trend of under- or overestimation was identified. The results of the present study show that selected measurements of static footprints could be used to predict stature and body weight but should be applied only for Slovaks due to population specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Footprint is one of the most common types of physical evidence recovered at a crime scene. The forensic footprint evidence may play an important role in establishing the identity of a person; therefore, its examination is of prime importance. A link may be established by observing and comparing the morphological features of footprints with the perpetrator. These barefoot prints may be present as a two-dimensional print or a three-dimensional imprint depending on the substrate upon which they have been impressed upon and accordingly different methods and techniques are implemented in order to identify the questioned prints. After the execution of appropriate procedure, these prints are then compared with the exemplar prints, i.e., prints of the suspects to narrow down the process of identification. The analysis of bare footprints has been used to offer a wide range of knowledge about different print patterns. Thus, the present work extends an overview of the different methods and indices that are being used to evaluate footprints for comparison and identification purposes. The evaluation and interpretation of footprints is not only of prime importance in forensic examination but also help in clinical examinations and elucidation of various podiatric disorders. The paper also focuses on the occurrence of footprint evidence, forensic podiatric training and education, reliability and accuracy of the footprint analysis methods and associated intra-rater and inter-rater discrepancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot impressions are of utmost importance in crime scene investigations. Foot impressions are available in the form of barefoot prints, sock-clad footprints, and as impressions within footwear. Sometimes suspects leave their footwear at the crime scene, and the insole of this footwear may contain the foot impression of the suspect which may be important evidence linking him or her to the crime. The task of identification based on the analysis of footprints can be challenging when the footprints belonging to one of the identical twin is available for examination. The present study is based on the quantitative measures of the foot impressions in the footwear of adult identical twins. The study was conducted on four sets of female monozygotic twins from the United States of America. A total of 17 length and breadth measurements were taken on each foot impression. A combination of Reel Method and Extended Gunn Method was utilized to produce the measurements. The measurements of the foot impressions were compared among the twins on the right and the left side. Differences were found in the various footprint measurements among the twins. The study's sample size was not large enough to apply robust statistical tests, but the study is significant in that it presents the first detailed comparative analysis of a large number of measurements of insole foot impressions of adult twins. The observations derived from the study are likely to assist forensic investigations in cases involving the foot impressions of the twins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a collaborative project that explored the targeted use of swabbing evidence sources which, up until now, have not been routinely recovered or utilised for DNA analysis. All genres of the forensic portfolio have undergone significant changes driven by economic, political and technological influencers, which have resulted in an array of interpretations on its frontline delivery, often based on local requirements. The approach reported here pertains to a research project bringing together a collaborative team of researchers, representing practitioners and academics, working in conjunction with forensic service providers. The project reviewed the process of swabbing glove marks at crime scenes, comparing the methods used with DNA profiling outcomes. The findings showed significant benefits in regards to DNA outcomes, providing six detections over a four-month period that were attributable to the swabbing of the glove marks. Furthermore, the study provided key data to guide practice and crime scene methods to meet new operational requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is an introduction to the United States Supreme Court's standard of admissibility of forensic evidence and testimony at trial, known as the Daubert standard, with emphasis on how this standard applies to the field of forensic podiatry. The author, a forensic podiatrist, provided law enforcement with evidence tying a bloody sock-clad footprint found at the scene of a homicide to the suspect. In 2014, the author testified at a pretrial hearing, known as 'a Daubert hearing,' to address the admissibility of this evidence in court. This was the first instance of forensic podiatry being the primary subject of a Daubert hearing. The hearing resulted in the court ordering this evidence admissible. The expert's testimony contributed to the suspect's conviction. This article serves as a reference for forensic podiatrists and experts in similar fields that involve impression evidence, providing evidentiary standards and their impact on expert evidence and testimony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This small-scale study examined the role that bare footprint collection and measurement processes have on the Reel method of measurement in forensic podiatry and its use in the Criminal Justice System. Previous research indicated that the Reel method was a valid and reliable measurement system for bare footprint analysis but various collection systems have been used to collect footprint data and both manual and digital measurement processes were utilized in forensic podiatry and other disciplines. This study contributes to the debate about collecting bare footprints; the techniques employed to quantify various Reel measurements and considered whether there was asymmetry between feet and footprints of the same person. An inductive, quantitative paradigm used the Podotrack gathering procedure for footprint collection and the subsequent dynamic footprints subjected to Adobe Photoshop techniques of calculating the Reel linear variables. Statistical analyses using paired-sample t tests were conducted to test hypotheses and compare data sets. Standard error of mean (SEM) showed variation between feet and the findings provide support for the Reel study and measurement method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decade has witnessed unprecedented criticism of the forensic sciences from academic commentators and authoritative scientific and technical organizations. Simultaneously, podiatrists have begun to promote themselves as forensic scientists, capable of assisting investigators and courts in their endeavors to identify offenders. This article traces the emergence of forensic podiatry, particularly forensic gait analysis. Forensic gait analysis is a practice that involves comparing persons of interest in crime-related images (such as CCTV and surveillance recordings) with reference images of suspects, where the primary focus is on movement and posture. It tends to be applied when other techniques, such as the comparison of facial and body features, are constrained because of disguises (e.g., the use of balaclavas) or the low quality of the images. This article endeavors to explain how forensic podiatry came into being, shed light on forensic field formation, make an assessment of the knowledge base underpinning forensic gait analysis, and reflect on what the legal recognition of forensic gait analysis reveals about the ability of common law courts to regulate expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of sex along with other parameters of identification like stature, age and ancestry is one of the foremost criteria in establishing the biological profile of an individual. The present study was conducted to analyze the sex differences in the foot length ratios in a North Indian adolescent population. The study was conducted on 149 females and 154 males aged from 13 to 18 years. Foot length measurements were taken from pternion to the most anterior part of each toe and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively for first to fifth toes on both the feet in each participant using standard methods and techniques. A total of ten ratios (T1:T2, T1:T3, T1:T4, T1:T5, T2:T3, T2:T4, T2:T5, T3:T4, T3:T5, and T4:T5) were thus, obtained and the same were analyzed for sex differences using Student's t-test. Stature was measured in each participant and Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to find the correlation between various foot length ratios, age and stature. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to test the sexing accuracy of the variables. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Foot length dimensions from each toe (T1 to T5) and stature were found to be significantly higher in males than females. The foot length ratios did not show any statistically significant correlation with stature. Statistically significant sex differences were exhibited by ratios between T1 and T2 (p = 0.002), T1 and T3 (p = 0.001), T1 and T4 (p < 0.001), T1 and T5 (p = 0.001), and T2 and T4 (p = 0.014). Maximum sex differences were evident for foot length ratio between T1 and T4 (63.4%), and minimum for the ratio between T2 and T4 (56.5%). Though foot length measurements are significantly larger in males, its utility in sex differentiation may be limited owing to its direct correlation with stature of an individual. It has been observed that the foot length ratios are independent of stature and thus, can be considered a better sex determinant since they are not influenced by the body built of an individual. Apart from ratio between T2 and T4, only the foot length ratios with reference to first toe (T1:T2, T1:T3, T1:T4, T1:T5) were found to exhibit significant sex-differences. The present research concludes that the foot length ratios exhibit sex differences in the study population. However, its utility in forensic investigations may be limited owing to the lower sexing accuracy of foot length ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Forensic podiatry is defined as the application of sound and researched podiatric knowledge and experience in forensic investigations; to show the association of an individual with a scene of crime, or to answer any other legal question concerned with the foot or footwear that requires knowledge of the functioning foot". Forensic podiatrists can contribute to forensic identification by associating the pedal evidence with the criminal or crime scene. The most common pedal evidence collected from the crime scene is in the form of footprints, shoeprints and their tracks and trails. Forensic podiatrists can establish identity of the individuals from the footprints in many ways. The analysis of bare footprints involves the identification based on the individualistic features like flat footedness, ridges, humps, creases, an extra toe, missing toe, corns, cuts, cracks, pits, deformities, and various features of the toe and heel region. All these individualistic features can link the criminal with the crime. In addition to these, parameters of body size like stature and body weight as well as sex can also be estimated by using anthropometric methods. If a series of footprints are recovered from the crime scene, then parameters of the gait analysis such as stride/step length and general movement of the criminal can be traced. Apart from these, a newly established biometric parameter of the footprints i.e. footprint ridge density can also be evaluated for personal identification. Careful analysis of the footprint ridge density can give an idea about the sex of the criminal whose footprints are recovered at the scene which can further help to reduce the burden of the investigating officer as the investigations then may be directed toward either a male suspect or a female suspect accordingly. This paper highlights various aspects of Forensic Podiatry and discusses the different methods of personal identification related to pedal evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A probable correlation between stature and footstep length is expected, and consequently, the stature may be estimated from footstep length. The present research was conducted to study the correlation of footstep length with length of the lower extremities and stature. The study participants ( n = 142) were asked to walk on a paper sheet with inked feet and footstep length was measured. Mean stature and lower limb length were significantly larger in males. Sex differences were not observed in the average footstep length. Average footstep length and lower limb length did not show a significant correlation among the participants. A statistically significant correlation was observed between average footstep length and stature only among females. Our observations suggest that the length of the lower limb may not be a major factor in determining the footstep length of a person and that the forensic utility of stature estimation from footstep length may be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is suggested that identification from chiropody records should be included in the repertoire of standard identification techniques. The success rates of ten chiropodists undertaking identification judgments on unidentified NHS chiropody patients were examined. Two tests were used: Test 1--simulating identification of one individual in isolation; Test 2--where an individual requires identification from five possibilities. Two different Health Authorities were involved and the tests were conducted in three different situations: 1. Using the testing chiropodists' own notes. 2. Using a nominated chiropodist's notes. 3. Using notes made by chiropodists taken at random. Overall, 85.65% of identification judgments were correct. This rate could be improved by improved standards in recording treatment details, and use of an identification strength scale in practice. It is concluded that identification from chiropody records can be useful to forensic science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Footprints give an estimate of the height of an individual using gender-dependent models derived for different population and ethnic groups. However, estimation of ethnicity, age and gender from a footprint may not always be possible in forensic case work. Objectives: The present study is done to develop models for stature (height) estimation from the width of footprints in the Indian population that are independent of the age and gender of individuals. Methods: The present research was conducted on 100 young adults from different regions of India. Footprints were obtained from both feet using standard techniques. Stature, and metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) Width (distance across the widest part of the forefoot) and calcaneal (Calc) Width (distance across the widest section of the heel) were measured on 200 footprints. Regression models were derived for estimation of stature. Results: A positive correlation is observed between footprint measurements and stature. Regression models derived from the forefoot region give a more accurate estimate of stature than the heel region of the footprint. Multiple linear regression models gave more accurate estimates of stature than the single linear regression models. Conclusions: Regression models derived in the study for Indian population may be valuable in establishing the stature of a footprint in practical scenario when the age and gender are unknown. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fixation of identity of a person is one of the most important aspects of crime investigation. Even in today's world where science is shaping the present and future of crime investigation with rapidly evolving techniques like DNA profiling, retinal scanning etc, the role of lesser known modalities cannot be underestimated. Forensic podiatry is a branch of forensic science that deals with the identification of a person based on study of footprints, shoeprints, gait pattern, medical records relating to feet and their association with the scene of crime. This association is very helpful in linking the guilty with the crime scene and more importantly exonerating an innocent person of a false charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and aims: Stature estimation is considered as one of the basic parameters of the investigation process in unknown and commingled human remains in medico-legal case work. Race, age and sex are the other parameters which help in this process. Stature estimation is of the utmost importance as it completes the biological profile of a person along with the other three parameters of identification. The present research is intended to formulate standards for stature estimation from foot dimensions in adolescent males from North India and study the pattern of foot growth during the growing years. Methods: 154 male adolescents from the Northern part of India were included in the study. Besides stature, five anthropometric measurements that included the length of the foot from each toe (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 respectively) to pternion were measured on each foot. The data was analyzed statistically using Student''s t-test, Pearson''s correlation, linear and multiple regression analysis for estimation of stature and growth of foot during ages 13–18 years. Results: Correlation coefficients between stature and all the foot measurements were found to be highly significant and positively correlated. Linear regression models and multiple regression models (with age as a co-variable) were derived for estimation of stature from the different measurements of the foot. Multiple regression models (with age as a co-variable) estimate stature with greater accuracy than the regression models for 13–18 years age group. Conclusions: The study shows the growth pattern of feet in North Indian adolescents and indicates that anthropometric measurements of the foot and its segments are valuable in estimation of stature in growing individuals of that population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Most often, forensic podiatrists are called upon in crime scene investigations where pedal evidence is encountered at the crime scenes. The main aim of the forensic podiatrist is such case is to contribute towards the establishment of the identity of the suspects on the basis of the evidence. One form of the pedal evidence is footprints that are often recovered at the crime scenes. Estimation of stature from footprints forms a major parameter of personal identification in forensic examinations. Objectives: The main aim of the present study is to make stature estimation standards based on detailed analysis of length measurements of footprints in Indian population using statistical considerations. Methods: A sample of 100 young adults (50 males and 50 females) was included in the study conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India. Footprints were obtained from both the feet of each subject. Besides stature, five length measurements i.e. T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 were measured on both the footprints of each subject using international standards. Bilateral asymmetry in the measurements on footprints was calculated and tested using paired t-test. Pearson''s correlation coefficients were calculated between stature and various footprint length measurements and the stature was estimated using linear and multiple regression analysis. Results: Our study observes a statistically significant sex difference (p <0.001) in the footprint length measurements between males and females in both right and left feet. A positive and strong correlation exists between various length measurements of the footprint and stature in both the sexes. Males show relatively higher values of correlation coefficients than females. Bilateral differences (right−left differences) were also observed in some of the footprint length measurements among males and females. Linear and multiple regression models are derived for estimation of stature from various footprint length measurements in males, females and for the pooled sample. Conclusions: The footprints can provide a reliable estimate of stature in forensic investigations. Sex specific regression models give a more accurate estimate of stature than the pooled sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present research is aimed to introduce Heel-ball (HB) index from foot dimensions and determine whether this index exhibits sexual dimorphism. The study was conducted on a sample of 303 North Indian individuals (154 men, and 149 women) aged between 13 and 18 years. The stature, body weight, foot breadth at the ball (BBAL), and foot breadth at heel (BHEL) were measured. The HB index was derived by the formula BHEL × 100/BBAL. Although the mean HB index was larger in women in both feet it showed statistically significant sex differences in the right foot only. The study shows that while the foot dimensions show a positive correlation with stature and weight, the HB index is independent of the stature and weight of an individual. This novel index (HB index) may be utilized in sex determination when a part of the foot is brought for medico-legal investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Shoemark evidence remains a cornerstone of forensic crime investigation. Shoemarks can be used at a crime scene to reconstruct the course of events; they can be used as forensic intelligence tool to establish links between crime scenes; and when control material is available, used to help infer the participation of given individuals to the commission of a crime. Nevertheless, as for most other impression evidence, the current process used to evaluate and report the weight of shoemark evidence is under extreme scrutiny. Building on previous research, this paper proposes a model to evaluate shoemark evidence in a more transparent manner. The model is currently limited to sole pattern and wear characteristics. It does not account formally for cuts and other accidental damages. Furthermore, it requires the acquisition of relevant shoemark datasets and the development of automated comparison algorithms to deploy its full benefits. These are not currently available. Instead, we demonstrate, using casework examples, that a pragmatic consideration of the various variables of the model allows us to already evaluate shoemark evidence in a more transparent way and therefore begin to address the current scientific and legal concerns. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fossilized footprints contain information about the dynamics of gait, but their interpretation is difficult, as they are the combined result of foot anatomy, gait dynamics, and substrate properties. We explore how footprints are generated in modern humans. Sixteen healthy subjects walked on a solid surface and in a layer of fine-grained sand. In each condition, 3D kinematics of the leg and foot were analyzed for three trials at preferred speed, using an infrared camera system. Additionally, calibrated plantar pressures were recorded. After each trial in sand, the depth of the imprint was measured under specific sites. When walking in sand, subjects showed greater toe clearance during swing and a 7° higher knee yield during stance. Maximal pressure was the most influential factor for footprint depth under the heel. For other foot zones, a combination of factors correlates with imprint depth, with pressure impulse (the pressure-time integral) gaining importance distally, at the metatarsal heads and the hallux. We conclude that footprint topology cannot be related to a single variable, but that different zones of the footprint reflect different aspects of the kinesiology of walking. Therefore, an integrated approach, combining anatomical, kinesiological, and substrate-mechanical insights, is necessary for a correct interpretation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurements of feet and footprints are especially important in forensic identification, as they have been used to predict the body height and weight of victims or suspects. It can be observed that the subjects of forensic-oriented studies are generally young adults. That is to say, researchers rarely take into consideration the body’s proportional changes with age. Hence, the aim of this study is to generate equations which take age and sex into consideration, when stature and body weight are estimated from foot and footprints dimensions. With this aim in mind, we measured the stature, body weight, foot length and breadth, heel breadth, footprint length and breadth, and footprint heel breadth of 516 volunteers (253 males and 263 females) aged between 17.6 and 82.9 years using standard measurement techniques. The sample population was divided randomly into two groups. Group 1, the study group, consisted of 80% of the sample ( n = 406); the remaining 20% were assigned to the cross-validation group or Group 2 ( n = 110). In the first stage of the study, we produced equations for estimating stature and weight using a stepwise regression technique. Then, their reliability was tested on Group 2 members. Statistical analyses showed that the ratios of foot dimensions to stature and body weight change considerably with age and sex. Consequently, the regression equations which include these variables yielded more reliable results. Our results indicated that age and sex should be taken into consideration when predicting human body height and weight for forensic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Analysis of footprints can reveal very important clues which can be used as forensic evidence in crime scene investigation. Apart from giving idea about the bare foot morphology and individualistic characteristics, the footprints are also indicative of the body size of the person. The present study is an attempt to establish the correlation between footprints and body weight of individuals. The sample for the present study consists of 50 male subjects ranging in age from 18 to 30 years. The subjects belonging to Gujjar caste were randomly taken from a village near Chandigarh city in North India. Three kinds of bilateral footprints were taken from each subject. First, the footprints with the subject''s normal weight were taken, the footprints were taken when the subject holds 5kg weight in his hands, then the footprints were taken when the subject holds 20kg weight in his hands. In this way, the present study analyses 300 bilateral footprints obtained from 50 individuals. Nine measurements were taken on each footprint using precise and defined landmarks. The measurements of these three kinds of footprints were compared with each other and t-test was employed to see the significant variation. Some of the measurements of the footprints were altered significantly when the subject was subjected to 20kg weight. However, there is no significant change when the subject holds 5kg weight in his hands. Body weight was also estimated using regression method from the measurements of these three kinds of footprints. The utility of the study in offences like sexual assault, homicide, theft, burglary, mugging, stealing, shoplifting, dacoity, etc. has been discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Careful examination of foot impressions can provide important evidences and clues in a crime scene investigation. The present study is conducted on a cross-sectional sample of 1040 adult male Gujjars inhabiting the sub-Himalayan region of North India. The study describes the utility of individualizing characteristics of footprints in forensic examinations. Various features of the toes, humps in the toe line, phalange marks, flatfoot condition, pits, cracks, corns, etc., were studied. Frequency of some of these characters has also been recorded. The frequency of the tibialis-type foot is the highest, followed by fibularis-type, then intermediate-type and midularis-type is found to be least frequent among the sample. Three humps have been found most often in footprints, followed by two humps, four humps, and then five humps and one hump are found to be least frequent. Flatfoot condition is found to be present in 1.54% of the sample population and the trait also shows bilateral variation. Phalange marks, crease marks, pits, deformity, etc., are also demonstrated with suitable examples in the present population. These characteristic features can provide useful clues to establish personal identity whenever complete or partial footprints are recovered at the crime scene and can help in including or excluding the possible presence of individual at the scene of crime. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Forensic podiatry a small, but potentially useful specialty using clinical podiatric knowledge for the purpose of person identification. The practice of forensic podiatry began in the early 1970s in Canada and the UK, although supportive research commenced later in the 1990s. Techniques of forensic podiatry include identification from podiatry records, the human footprint, footwear, and the analysis of gait forms captured on Closed Circuit Television Cameras. The most valuable techniques relate to the comparison of the foot impressions inside shoes. Tools to describe, measure and compare foot impressions with footwear wear marks have been developed through research with potential for further development. The role of forensic podiatrists is of particular value when dealing with variable factors relating to the functioning and the shod foot. Case studies demonstrate the approach of podiatrists, in footwear identification, when comparing exemplar with questioned foot impressions. Forensic podiatry practice should be approached cautiously and it is essential for podiatrists undertaking this type of work to understand the context within which the process of person identification takes place. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The author deals with the emerging field of forensic podiatry. This piece is a reprint from the article "Forensic Podiatry - An Emerging New Field" by John A. DiMaggio, which appeared in the "Journal of Forensic Identification" in 1995. The author talks about the uniqueness of each human footprint and defines a podiatrist and a forensic podiatrist. He emphasizes the significant role that a podiatrist play in crime investigations, particularly in terms of footwear evidence.