Improved Technique To Enable 2-Dimensional Shoe Sole Impression Evidence To Be Photographically Recorded "To Scale"

• NCJ Number: 150633
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1994) Pages: 1094-99
• Author(s): B R Hall; A M Nolan
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper describes an improved technique to photographically record two-dimensional impressions of shoe soles to scale; the technique was developed by the Forensic Service Branch of the Queensland, Australia, Police as a result of continual court challenges regarding the precise scale being used.

Abstract

Three problems affect the quality of the scale photographs provided: (1) the camera is not directly over the center of the shoe sole, (2) the camera is not exactly parallel to the shoe sole, and (3) the design of the camera lens affects the photograph quality. The new scale is called the Grid. The Grid is a clear acetate sheet on which a 1 centimeter grid is printed. The Grid is placed over the two- dimensional impression to be recorded after first recording it using the current standard method. The investigators use the standard method first in case the grid alters the impression in the dust. A test impression of the shoe is also prepared. A chart containing the scene impression and the test impression is prepared for the court for scrutiny by attorneys and the jury. Photographs (Author abstract modified)