A comparison of three shoe sole impression lifting methods at high substrate temperatures

Footwear impressions are a common form of evidence found at crime scenes, and the accurate recovery and recording of such impressions is critical for shoe sole comparison and identification. The lifting of shoe sole impressions from hot surfaces (>30°C/86°F) and in hot environments has received little attention in the literature, particularly in relation to the recovery of class and randomly acquired characteristics (RACs) required for accurate comparisons. This study addressed this knowledge gap by comparing the performance of three common impression lifters (gelatin, adhesive, and vinyl static cling film) at recovering shoe sole impressions in dust from hot flooring substrates. Dry origin dust shoe sole impressions were made on ceramic tile, galvanized metal, and laminated wood flooring using a shoe that possessed two RACs and five class characteristics present on the sole. Substrates were left in direct full sun for five hours during a summer day prior to lifting. Performance was measured by the proportion of RACs and class characteristics visible in each lifted impression. Results demonstrated that the vinyl static cling film tested performed poorly across all substrates, particularly for metal (23.8% marks recovered), including notable shrinkage of the lifted impression. In contrast, adhesive (~96% marks recovered over all substrates), and to a lesser extent gelatin (~85%), lifts were highly successful on hot substrates. These data suggest that adhesive lifts can consistently and accurately recover shoe sole impressions from hot substrates. This study contributes critical information for crime scene examiners to improve and expand evidence recovery in hot environments.     

3D documentation of footwear impressions and tyre tracks in snow with high resolution optical surface scanning

The three-dimensional documentation of footwear and tyre impressions in snow offers an opportunity to capture additional fine detail for the identification as present photographs. For this approach, up to now, different casting methods have been used. Casting of footwear impressions in snow has always been a difficult assignment. This work demonstrates that for the three-dimensional documentation of impressions in snow the non-destructive method of 3D optical surface scanning is suitable. The new method delivers more detailed results of higher accuracy than the conventional casting techniques. The results of this easy to use and mobile 3D optical surface scanner were very satisfactory in different meteorological and snow conditions. The method is also suitable for impressions in soil, sand or other materials. In addition to the side by side comparison, the automatic comparison of the 3D models and the computation of deviations and accuracy of the data simplify the examination and delivers objective and secure results. The results can be visualized efficiently. Data exchange between investigating authorities at a national or an international level can be achieved easily with electronic data carriers.     

A Comparison of Enhancement Techniques for Footwear Impressions on Dark and Patterned Fabrics,

The use of chemical enhancement techniques on porous substrates, such as fabrics, poses several challenges predominantly due to the occurrence of background staining and diffusion as well as visualization difficulties. A range of readily available chemical and lighting techniques were utilized to enhance footwear impressions made in blood, soil, and urine on dark and patterned fabrics. Footwear impressions were all prepared at a set force using a specifically built footwear rig. In most cases, results demonstrated that fluorescent chemical techniques were required for visualization as nonfluorescent techniques provided little or no contrast with the background. Occasionally, this contrast was improved by oblique lighting. Successful results were obtained for the enhancement of footwear impressions in blood; however, the enhancement of footwear impressions in urine and soil on dark and patterned fabrics was much more limited. The results demonstrate that visualization and fluorescent enhancement on porous substrates such as fabrics is possible.     

Lifting Bloody Footwear Impressions Using Alginate Casts Followed by Chemical Enhancement

A method for lifting bloody footwear impressions using alginate casts and enhancing the lifted impressions with amido black is presented. On rough or dark substrates, background interferences may conceal significant details of footwear impressions. Illumination with alternative light sources and chemically enhancing the bloody footwear impressions may reveal additional details, but sometimes, lifting footwear impressions prior to enhancing is the only way to expose hidden details (by using blood reagents not adequate on the original). Several cast formulations were tested for lifting the footwear impressions. The best results were achieved using Aroma fine^®. Enhancement of the footwear impressions was attempted with several reagents prior to lifting, during the casting process, and on the lifted footwear impressions. Applying amido black to footwear impressions lifted with alginate produced the sharpest and most detailed footwear impressions. Alginate castings followed by chemical enhancement with amido black may produce high‐quality footwear impressions for comparison.     

A study on the use of photopolymer reflex plate in the forgery of Chinese seals

This study compares the identifying characteristics between the impressions made with original Chinese seals and photopolymer replicate seals, and between the impressions made with two photopolymer replicate seals that originate from one single negative. Various seal materials common to the Chinese community such as cow's horns and ivory are employed. Other than the common factors such as different incident angle upon imprinting or different degree of inking that constitute the natural variation in impressions, the physical changes of the seal materials with temperature will be considered. This study concludes that photopolymer replicate seal impressions can be differentiated from the originals in respect to print density and stroke morphology, but it is very difficult to differentiate between two photopolymer replicate seal impressions with the same origin. This study also proposes a simple method for the examination of forged Chinese seal impressions.     

Organizing a Proficiency Testing Program on Stamp Impressions Examination in Accordance with ISO/IEC 17043 Requirements

Stamps and stamp impressions examinations are based on matching defects and design details on the questioned and control samples. These examinations are routinely carried out by document examiners around the world. International proficiency tests for questioned documents examination have been available for decades while similar programs specifically focusing on stamp impressions examination are rare. This study reported a recent proficiency testing program on stamp impressions examination organized by an accredited provider in accordance with ISO/IEC 17043 requirements. Twenty‐four forensic laboratories registered for the program. Apart from giving details on the design and operation of the program, this study also aimed to provide the limitations and difficulties encountered in sample preparations, homogeneity, and stability tests of the testing materials. Various comments and feedbacks received from the participants, particularly in respect of examination approaches, challenges faced by the participants in forming conclusions and their suggestions for further improvement would be evaluated.     

A method for impregnating nylon transfer membranes with leucocrystal violet for enhancing and lifting bloody impressions

The objective of this research project was to demonstrate a quick and easy method for impregnating nylon transfer membranes with leucocrystal violet (LCV) for the purpose of lifting and enhancing impressions made in blood. A stamp that would simulate fine detail found in fingerprints or footwear was used to create impressions on a variety of substrates. Four different LCV formulations were tested to determine the effectiveness of the prepared membranes in lifting and enhancing the impressions. Further investigation involved the feasibility of using the LCV membranes in the field by studying the shelf life and storage of the impregnated membranes and the longevity of the lifted impressions. One of the formations studied demonstrated superior lifting and enhancing capabilities, as well as a prolonged shelf life and a resilience of the lifted impressions, thus proving LCV to be an extremely valuable technique.     

Evaluation and comparison of the electrostatic dust print lifter and the electrostatic detection apparatus on the development of footwear impressions on paper

The Electrostatic Dust Print Lifter (EDPL) and the Electrostatic Detection Apparatus(2) (ESDA(2)) were compared to determine if both processes could be used to develop footwear impressions of the same or similar quality and in what order they should be used to develop the highest quality footwear impression. The sensitivity of each technique was also evaluated. The quality of the footwear impressions developed was determined by comparing 25 individual characteristics present on the known shoe to the footwear impressions developed using each technique. The footwear impressions were made by stepping on paper placed over several different surfaces, which included: linoleum, industrial Berber carpet, nylon carpet placed over a (3/8)-in. pad, ceramic tile, cardboard, 1-in. foam, 4-in. foam, cement, asphalt, grass, and mulch. Each of the papers placed on these surfaces was developed using the EDPL before the ESDA(2) and vice versa. The sensitivity test for the ESDA(2) was conducted by processing 10 sheets of stacked paper that were stepped on with the known shoe, beginning with the top sheet. The sensitivity test for the EDPL was conducted by processing 10 sheets of paper stepped on with the known shoe in succession. This study determined the footwear impressions developed using the EDPL were of better comparative value than impressions developed with the ESDA(2). On average, 72.4% of the individual characteristics from the known impression were identified on images developed when the EDPL was used first compared with an average of 38.9% when the ESDA(2) was used first. Therefore, if only one technique is used, the EDPL should be chosen. The sensitivity test determined the ESDA(2) develops high-quality footwear impressions on only the top sheet of paper. No footwear impressions were developed on any sheets under the top sheet of paper. The sensitivity test also determined the EDPL results increase in quality as the amount of dust residue decreases on the surface.     

Manufacturing processes for athletic shoe outsoles and their significance in the examination of footwear impression evidence

The most common methods of manufacturing athletic shoe outsoles are given and how each method can influence the examination of footwear impression evidence. Several processes for manufacturing athletic shoe outsoles are described. Significant factors of each process that are relevant to the examination of footwear impressions are explained. Some manufacturing processes result in distinguishing random characteristics which can assist in the identification of a shoe sole, even when new. These characteristics, together with the traditionally observed wear patterns and random cuts on the shoe outsoles, enable the examiner a stronger basis for expert opinion.     

朱墨时序显微检验的技术要点及应用

朱墨时序鉴定常见的检验方法包括显微检验法、减层法及光谱法等,其中最基础也是最被普遍使用的方法是显微检验法。通过对显微镜检验在朱墨时序鉴定中的技术要点进行讨论,阐述如何通过选择不同的显微镜,调整放大倍率、照明方式、观察方式及运用共聚焦等技术手段达到最佳观察效果和检验图片。总结了朱墨时序显微镜检验所依据的表观特征及其观察和分析要点,希望对朱墨时序鉴定实践起到积极的指导作用。     

同源性机雕渗透印章印文鉴别方法

目的寻找同源性机雕渗透印章印文间的特征差异,探索检验鉴定此类印章印文的方法。方法制作了9枚同源性机雕渗透印章并盖印大量的印文样本,通过文检仪、显微镜等仪器观察分析印文特征。结果找出了同源性机雕渗透印章印文间的细节特征差异。结论同源性机雕渗透印章虽规格性特征符合好,但仍旧可以区分,检验鉴定要以细节特征比对为主。     

印文鉴定相关问题探讨——高仿真印文鉴定

当前,与印文鉴定相关的并在鉴定实践中经常遇到的新问题和难点问题有高仿真印文的鉴定、变造印章问题、利用真实印文变造文件、同版印章印文、朱墨时序等,本文就高仿真印文的鉴定进行了系统阐述,介绍了各种高仿真印文,包括各种高仿真印章的盖印印文、复制印文、转印印文的伪造手段及其特点,并提出了高仿真印文的鉴定思路和要点。     

Operational benefits and challenges of the use of fingerprint statistical models: a field study

Research projects aimed at proposing fingerprint statistical models based on the likelihood ratio framework have shown that low quality finger impressions left on crime scenes may have significant evidential value. These impressions are currently either not recovered, considered to be of no value when first analyzed by fingerprint examiners, or lead to inconclusive results when compared to control prints. There are growing concerns within the fingerprint community that recovering and examining these low quality impressions will result in a significant increase of the workload of fingerprint units and ultimately of the number of backlogged cases. This study was designed to measure the number of impressions currently not recovered or not considered for examination, and to assess the usefulness of these impressions in terms of the number of additional detections that would result from their examination.     

非对等咬合钳具形成痕迹特点的研究

根据大量的实验事实,通过材料的变形分析,对非对等咬合的钳类工具所形成的痕迹进行研究,阐述了不同坡面上的变形性质和痕迹特点,总结了痕迹与工具的对应关系,为工作实践指出了分析和检验鉴定的方法,同时对钳类工具痕迹的形成原理作出了补充和修正。     

Deciphering indented impressions on plastic

The questioned document laboratory is often called upon to decipher writing that has been erased, obliterated, or that has faded. In cases like these, the original writing is no longer legible to the naked eye, but may be enhanced using various light sources. Certain remnants of the ink's components absorb into the substrate's fibers and can be visualized, usually as luminescence or absorbance. A case is described here that involved the theft of a credit card. An empty plastic credit card holder was found in the possession of a suspect, and as submitted for examination. Indented impressions could be discerned on its clear plastic window and presumably originated from the credit card that had been held in the envelope. These indented impressions were deciphered in the hope that they would reveal enough details from the credit card to establish a connection between the plastic envelope and the stolen credit card. With methods generally utilized in the toolmarks and materials laboratory and the photography laboratory of the Israel Police, most of the indented impressions on the plastic were deciphered and a connection between the plastic envelope and the stolen credit card was demonstrated.     

Assessing the quality of footwear marks recovered from simulated graves

Footwear marks are one of the most frequently encountered evidence types recovered from a crime scene and can provide valuable scene intelligence regarding potential suspects. It has been acknowledged that impressions of footwear and tools can be recovered from graves, but previous studies have only focused on tool mark recovery. This has led to a lack of published information regarding footwear mark recovery from graves. It is therefore important to demonstrate whether the recovery of footwear marks is feasible and, if so, under what conditions this can be achieved. To address recovery, this study, placed 60 three dimensional (3D) impressions of footwear marks within 60 simulated graves. This was done to assess time (1, 2, 4 months) and at known depths (20, 30, 40 cm). The footwear marks within the graves were covered with clothing or left uncovered. The shoe’s design patterns were grouped and counted in a photographic comparison between the 3D footwear impressions, placed within the test-pits, and any recovered impressions. A grading system was adapted by the authors to score the quality of footwear impressions observed during recovery. The results demonstrate that the preservation and recovery of footwear impressions from graves is feasible. The simulated graves covered with clothing showed better preservation of footwear impressions, but there was no clear evidence that time or depth had an effect. The authors note that careful consideration and vigilant excavation skills are needed when excavating graves which may bear potential footwear marks, as their recovery will lead to an increased amount of intelligence that can link suspects to homicide scenes.     

荧光检验法在朱墨时序鉴定中的应用研究

朱墨时序鉴定一直是文书司法鉴定实践中常见的鉴定项目,也是研究的热点和疑难问题.通过实验研究并结合检案实践,较系统地阐述了视频荧光光谱检验法和显微荧光检验法在朱墨时序鉴定的具体应用,探讨了荧光检验的技术要点.研究表明,荧光检验法（特别是显微荧光检验法）具有普通显微检验法的优点,同时对普通显微检验法中难以观察到的印文或文字色料荧光特性及色料的微观分布状态,具有明显的检验效果,是普通显微检验法有效的补充检验手段.     

Secondary impressions of writing detected by ESDA

Experiments have been performed which show conclusively that, under certain conditions, ‘impressions’ of writing can be detected by ESDA (ElectroStatic Detection Apparatus) on paper which has been placed in contact with the reverse of paper bearing writing which has significantly embossed the back. Such indirect ‘secondary’ impressions are caused by some degree of lateral relative motion of the two sheets of paper. Secondary impressions can usually be distinguished from normal primary impressions (caused by the ‘act’ of writing) by several characteristics, in particular, by the indistinct, incomplete and, sometimes, diffuse nature of the secondary impression images.     

Uniqueness of bare feet and its use as a possible means of identification

In order to study the uniqueness of barefoot impressions, a computer database has been constructed using inked barefoot prints from volunteers. The data consists of 19 different measurements and a tracing of the impression of each foot. Searches through the present database of 4000 impressions produce an apparent match only if the margin of measurement error is set at an extremely large value. In these few cases, however, a visual examination of the ‘matched’ prints is sufficient to show that they are not the same.     

Could Defects on a Rubber Stamp be Reproduced on a Duplicated Rubber Stamp?

The examination of stamp impressions has been an integral part of questioned document examination since its inception. Matching in design details and unique defects has proven to be essential factors for rubber stamps and stamp impression examination. In this study, several duplicate stamps were made from various rubber stamp manufacturers in Hong Kong, from the same original stamp impression(s). The objective was to examine the stamp impressions prepared from these duplicated stamp products and compared with each other and to determine whether they could be distinguished from the source stamp impression(s); by comparison of the size and defects deliberated introduced onto the latter. Further consideration of this study was an attempt to create a perfect duplicate stamp from an original stamp impression. The results of the analysis showed that the quality of source stamp impression(s) and scanner device of the stamp manufacturing process, and the knowledge of the stamp manufacturer were critical to the quality and outcome of the duplicated stamp products. It is concluded that although a perfect duplicate stamp could only be made under several essential control conditions, it was still possible to create a duplicate stamp that replicated the features of the original when a high-quality source stamp impression was available.