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Statistical analysis of barefoot impressions.
Robert B Kennedy1, Irwin S Pressman, Sanping Chen
1Forensic Identification Research Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R2 Canada. robert.kennedy@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|February 7, 2003
Summary
Forensic science can compare barefoot impressions to crime scene prints for identification. This study confirms that individual barefoot prints show high variability between people but consistency for the same person.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Biometrics
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Barefoot impressions at crime scenes can link individuals to a location.
- The scientific basis for distinguishing barefoot prints is frequently questioned.
- Variability and similarity of barefoot impressions are critical for forensic analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinguishability of barefoot impressions for forensic identification.
- To quantify the variability between different individuals' barefoot prints.
- To assess the consistency of barefoot prints from the same individual.
Main Methods:
- Collection of inked footprint impressions from multiple donors.
- Measurement of outline characteristics from the footprint impressions.
- Statistical analysis to confirm normality and assess variability and similarity.
Main Results:
- Measurements from footprint outlines demonstrated significant variability among different donors.
- Multiple impressions from the same donor exhibited a high degree of similarity.
- The normality of selected footprint outline measurements was statistically confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Barefoot impression analysis is a viable forensic identification method.
- High inter-individual variability and intra-individual consistency support the use of barefoot prints in forensic investigations.
- Statistical methods, including the product rule, can be applied to barefoot impression data.