An improved technique to enable 2-dimensional shoe sole impression evidence to be photographically recorded "to...

An improved technique to photographically record 2-Dimensional shoe sole impressions "to scale" is described. This technique was developed as a result of continual attacks in court in relation to the question of precise SCALE. Staff at our laboratory are routinely required to examine shoe sole impressions evidence that has been collected by our Scenes of Crime Officers. The Scenes of Crime Officers have been instructed in the appropriate photographic techniques which should be used to record 2-Dimensional shoe sole impressions, however, for one reason or another, including inexperience, this technique is not rigidly adhered to. We have seventy-five (75) Scenes of Crime Officers throughout Queensland, and nearly all of the shoe sole interpretation work is done in the Brisbane Headquarters. It is the case that the Scenes of Crime Officers record the scene and other photographers record the Test Impression. There are three problems that affect the quality of the scale photographs submitted. 1. The camera is not directly over the center of the subject. 2. The camera is not exactly parallel to the subject. 3. The designs of the camera lens. These problems are highlighted when barristers compare the scale photos of the test impressions made in the laboratory, with the scale photos of the scene impressions. Barristers actually measure the distance between features and usually a discrepancy (albeit slight) is found. The GRID allows us to demonstrate to Lay persons and Lawyers the interrelationship of identification features, by reference to a particular GRID.