NCJ Number
224727
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 53 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2008 Pages: 1149-1153
Date Published
September 2008
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study was conducted at the request of the police in Noerager, Denmark, who wished to determine whether a disguised bank robber captured on a video surveillance tape had a distinctive gait that would help in identifying him.
Abstract
Using a structured checklist that addresses the single body segments during gait, the authors were able to give a statement about the gait patterns observed on the video surveillance tape. The analysis noted varus instability in the knee at heel strike and larger lateral flexion of the spinal column to one side more than the other. Based on these characteristic features, the authors stated with reasonable certainty that the suspect under investigation had a gait similar to that of the perpetrator. The authors advise, however, that it is not possible to identify the suspect positively as the perpetrator. Currently, it is not possible to identify a perpetrator based on analyses of video tape images, because analysts cannot state in court that no other person could have the same gait pattern based on a given set of characteristics. Currently, there is no database for comparing the likelihood that a given gait is distinctive. In order to compare a videotaped analysis of gait with that of a live suspect, a covert or overt recording of the suspect’s gait should be obtained. If the suspect agrees to an overt recording of his/her gait, he/she should be recorded from the front, the back, in profile, and from the same view as the robbery surveillance camera. The authors developed a checklist for gait analysis in forensic cases. Such analysis may not be conclusive evidence of a suspect’s presence at a crime scene where video surveillance recorded the perpetrator; however, it may be used to exclude one or more suspects. 1 table, 2 figures, and 13 references