In turn, these class characteristics may allow the investigators to narrow their focus to suspects having that class description of shoe. For example, if a shoe print is found at the scene of a crime and is determined to be a left shoe of a size 9, Nike brand, Air Jordan model, running type shoe with a wavy horizontal sole pattern, these class characteristics collectively provide a description of the suspect’s shoe based on five defined descriptors. At the first level of examination, these items can be classified and sorted based on type, make, model, size, and pattern. Level One - The Examination of the Item for Class Characteristicsĭetermining class characteristics takes place in relation to items, such as shoe prints, tire prints, glove prints, and tool impressions. In these physical matchings, there are two levels of examination that are typically considered an examination for class characteristics and an examination for accidental characteristics. That said, the more sophisticated aspects of physical matching do require the expertise of a person trained in the techniques to form and articulate an opinion that the court will accept as expert evidence.ĭuring a crime investigation, physical matching is typically conducted on items, such as fingerprints, shoe prints, tire prints, glove prints, tool impressions, broken glass, plastic fragments, and torn edges of items, such as paper, tape, or cloth. At this level, physical matching can be used by investigators to do on site analysis of evidence. If we think back to the example in Chapter 1 where the Bow Street Runners (McCrery, 2013) made a physical match from the torn edges of one piece of wadding paper to the original sheet from which it was torn, we can appreciate that physical matching is a forensic technique that can be applied, to some extent, by the investigator personally viewing and studying details of the evidence. In addition, the application of forensic examination and analysis could turn any of these exhibits into a potential means of solving the crime. Each of these pieces of physical evidence is a valuable exhibit capable of providing general information about spatial relationships between objects, people, and events. Tool marks where a door was forced open can indicate a point of entry, shoe prints can show a path of travel, and blood stains can indicate an area where conflict occurred. The types of evidence and where it is found can assist investigators to develop a sense of how the crime was committed. Various types of physical evidence can be found at almost any crime scene. The forensic analysis topics covered in this chapter include: As we noted in Chapter 1, it is not necessary for an investigator to be an expert in any of the forensic sciences however, it is important to have a sound understanding of forensic tools to call upon appropriate experts to deploy the correct tools when required. Rather, it is intended to be an overview to demonstrate the broad range of forensic tools available. The chapter is not intended to be a comprehensive dissertation of the forensic sciences available. In this chapter, we examine various forensic sciences and the application of forensic sciences as practical tools to assist police in conducting investigations. “Knowledge of forensic tools and services provides the investigator with the ability to recognize and seize on evidence opportunities that would not otherwise be possible.”
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