NCJ Number
229768
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 60 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2010 Pages: 45-86
Date Published
January 2010
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This study examined techniques used to produce surviving footwear impressions post excavation.
Abstract
Results of the study conclude that by careful excavation methodology, and with suitable enhancement techniques, there is a potential for a significant amount of blood-contaminated footwear impressions to be recovered from buried substrates. Also, those impressions recovered can be compared with known impressions to prove identification. Forty-eight identifiable footwear impressions were made with blood on three substrates: cotton, paper, and plastic. These were buried in soil of a neutral type in containers and were excavated at various times during a 4-week time period. Of the original 48 substrates buried, 29 (60 percent) showed visible signs of impressions on excavation. Finally, a systematic evaluation of techniques that react with the components of blood was then carried out. Of the 48 original substrates buried and subsequently excavated, 35 (73 percent) provided adequate visible impressions identifiable to original impressions following chemical enhancement. Limitations and future recommendations are detailed. Tables, figures, references, and appendixes