Footwear and Bloodstain Evidence Flashcards
What is footwear evidence often referred to as?
The forgotten evidence
It is often overlooked for its potential evidence in investigations.
What type of evidence can footwear impressions provide?
Footwear impressions may provide:
* Type and make of shoe
* Approximate size
* Number of suspects
* Pathway in, through, and away from the crime scene
* Possible sequence of events in the crime scene.
Why is footwear impression evidence often overlooked?
It is overlooked due to:
* Lack of training in proper techniques
* Lack of understanding of evidentiary value
* Lack of education in comparison and report writing.
What types of impressions do footwear impressions consist of?
Footwear impressions consist of:
* 2-dimensional impressions
* 3-dimensional impressions.
What is a Gelatin Lifter used for?
A Gelatin Lifter is used to lift prints from almost any surface, including porous, rough, curved, and textured surfaces.
What is the purpose of an electrostatic dust print lifting device?
It operates by charging a plastic film to create electrostatic adhesions that draw the film onto the surface bearing the print.
What is the casting technique used for?
Casting is used for recording three-dimensional footwear impressions, typically using dental stone.
What should be examined to locate two-dimensional impressions?
Examine:
* Movement within the scene
* Point of entry
* Disturbed areas
* Point of exit.
What is important for photographing close-up footwear impressions?
A rigid scale should be included in every photograph and placed at the same plane as the bottom of the impression.
What does Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) involve?
BPA involves the study and analysis of bloodstains at a known or suspected crime scene to draw conclusions about the nature, timing, and other details of the crime.
What information can be obtained from Bloodstain Pattern Analysis?
Possible information includes:
* Direction blood originated
* Angle of impact
* Victim’s position during injury
* Movement of the bleeding individual
* Minimum number of blows.
What does the pointed end of an elliptical bloodstain indicate?
The pointed end indicates the direction of travel.
What is the difference between forward spatter and back spatter?
Forward spatter travels away from the source in the same direction as the force, while back spatter travels backward from the source.
What defines low velocity spatter?
Low velocity spatter is created by a force traveling at 5 ft per second or less, producing drops greater than 4 mm.
What is the Area of Convergence in bloodstain evidence?
The Area of Convergence is the 2D plane where lines traced through the long axis of several individual bloodstains meet.
