Forensic Footwear

Footwear marks can be left at a crime scene or on an item in a contaminant such as mud or blood and an impression can be left in a soft substrate such as soil. Such footwear marks are recovered by forensic scientists using a variety of techniques from electrostatic lifting to casting. Specialised photography can also be invaluable to ensure that the finest detail of the mark is recorded.

From an examination of the footwear mark, the evidential significance can be assessed by considering the make, model and level of detail that is apparent to the examining forensic scientist. It can be possible to make an assessment of the size of shoe from the mark as well as in some cases establish the wearer of the shoe if it is in doubt.

Manlove Forensics' team of footwear examiners regularly provide advice and give evidence in relation to footwear mraks and impressions. Whether it is a simple pattern identification you require, review of another forensic scientist's work or a full comparison, we are able to offer a rapid response as we have access to one of the most comprehensive footwear databases in the country.

If it is collation of footwear evidence that you require, we can provide a bespoke service to build your own secure database and compile database hits of possible footwear matches.

Working within our secure laboratories we are able to provide assistance in cases that require marks enhancement, specialising in marks in skin on clothing made with force and marks made in blood. We also have a vast experience of different marks on the body in either the living or the deceased.

Tel: 0845 371 2486