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Naked Foot Marks - A Preliminary Study of Identification Factors

NCJ Number
73034
Journal
Forensic Science International Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (September/October 1980) Pages: 145-152
Author(s)
S R Qamra; B R Sharma; P Kaila
Date Published
1980
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Data on footprints collected from 725 healthy subjects in northwest India indicates that naked foot marks could provide reliable circumstantial evidence in criminal investigations.
Abstract
Although footprints have been used from very early times, they have not achieved a prominent role in criminal investigations comparable to that of fingerprints. The rarity of foot mark evidence in western countries has discouraged research on bare footprints, although these techinques would be extremely valuable in countries like India which have hot, wet climates and considerable poverty. In order to give a firmer scientific basis to the evaluation of naked foot marks, prints were collected from 395 males and 330 females between the ages of 18 and 30. The length and width of the entire foot, the toe, and the heel were measured. The following indexes were developed to overcome differences in materials registering the footprint, recording, and observation; instep-foot, ball-foot, ball-heel, heel toe, toe-heel. These indexes were calculated for each individual foot and analysis of the data indicated a wide range of variations with observable differences between male and female feet. Humps in the ball line have great identification value, but they were not treated statistically because the fine delineation necessary for their analysis is often missing in field conditions. Crease marks vary among individuals and can also be used for identification. Flat feet exhibited more creases than normal feet, and crease marks were significantly greater in females than males. Tables and 12 references are included.

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