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2011 | Boek

Forensic Podiatry

Principles and Methods

Auteurs: John A. DiMaggio, Wesley Vernon OBE

Uitgeverij: Humana Press

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The human foot is a complex body part composed of fifty-two bones, which is twenty-five percent of all the bones in the body. Nonetheless, the foot is often viewed by the public and doctors as a “minor” body part. Similarly, the importance of pedal evidence in crime investigation has also long been undervalued, but as footwear evidence has become more commonly used in forensic situations, so has pedal evidence, which is why this seminal work is so important: it is the first textbook ever dedicated to forensic podiatry. Forensic Podiatry is an international compilation of current practices authored by the pioneers in the field. Part I discusses general forensic concerns, including those at the crime scene, from an informative perspective. It covers tasks performed by the crime laboratory, forensic podiatry principles, and various aspects of human identification. Part II deals with specific forensic podiatric concerns such as photographic techniques, bare footprint identification, and footwear examination and analysis. It also discusses forensic gate and analysis as well as the identification of pedal remains from podiatry records, which is important for mass disaster scenes. Part III presents actual forensic podiatry case studies from the United Kingdom and the United States, and Part IV focuses on podiatry practice standards, which in many instances parallel expert witness responsibilities. Groundbreaking and essential, this book is useful for medical and criminal justice students as well as podiatrists, criminalists, footwear examiners, forensic anthropologists, attorneys and investigators.

Inhoudsopgave

Voorwerk

General Forensic Concerns

Voorwerk
Chapter 1. The Crime Scene and Crime Laboratory
Abstract
Evidence collection is one of the most important components of a criminal investigation and subsequent prosecution. Physical evidence can positively link a suspect to a crime, or it can prove one’s innocence. Continued advancements in technology and instrumentation have assisted law enforcement with its ability to collect forensic evidence.
John A. DiMaggio, Wesley Vernon
Chapter 2. Forensic Podiatry Principles and Human Identification
Abstract
This chapter will introduce the reader to the scientific approach that is required to both comprehend and safely practice forensic podiatry. A thorough explanation of what is needed for evidential purposes, a discussion of class and individual characteristics, and a short explanation of the Bayesian approach to forming conclusions in the consideration of pedal evidence is provided. A discussion of evidence handling and the methodology that would be utilized which parallels that of other disciplines is given (including the ACE-V(R) – Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, Verification, Reporting approach). Some basic information relative to the requirements necessary to be a credible expert witness in this field is also presented.
John A. DiMaggio, Wesley Vernon

Podiatric Forensic Concerns

Voorwerk
Chapter 3. Photographic Techniques
Abstract
The use of photography is essential to the forensic podiatrist and will be used to capture images of footprints, footwear, insoles (sock liners), shoe wear, the feet of those under consideration, and closer detail from any of these objects. Those undertaking this work need to become familiar with the equipment used and should be practiced in the techniques required. Consideration is given here initially to the selection of equipment for forensic podiatry use and later instruction and recommendations in relation to procedure. All of these techniques can be practiced without cost, and for the “trainee” forensic podiatrist such practice is recommended to build the skills and experience required in actual case work.
John A. DiMaggio, Wesley Vernon
Chapter 4. Bare Footprint Identification
Abstract
This chapter commences with a brief history of the use of bare footprints in identification – in areas in which several disciplines can have involvement – a competent technician can perform some of these tasks as well as undertake an initial assessment to determine whether the evidence is of adequate quality to proceed further. There are times, however, when it may be desirable for this entire process to be lead specifically by the forensic podiatrist. Methods of collecting exemplar prints are presented along with variations of these methods and comparison of these approaches. The assessment of bare footprints is also considered with note being made of various features of these prints that may be of interest to the forensic podiatrist. Some situations that could compromise the quality of bare footprints are also presented.
John A. DiMaggio, Wesley Vernon
Chapter 5. Footwear Examination and Analysis
Abstract
The examination of footwear that has been associated with a crime scene is a multidisciplinary task in the context of identification. Podiatrists usually become involved in forensic footwear examination where a suspect has been found and the task is to associate or disassociate that person to footwear already linked with the crime scene. A podiatrist’s assessment of shoes in this context involves the analysis, comparison, and evaluation of wear features of the insole/sock liner and the internal and external aspects of the upper structure of the shoe and the outsole. In addition to comparing known and questioned footwear items together, the forensic podiatrist may also wish to examine the suspected wearer or wearers of the shoes to look for features of the foot that may provide additional linking or disassociating factors. This chapter describes the processes involved in the forensic podiatry analysis of footwear in the identification process.
John A. DiMaggio, Wesley Vernon
Chapter 6. Forensic Gait Analysis
Abstract
Forensic gait analysis is the most recent subspecialty of forensic podiatry. The work of forensic gait analysis involves the recognition and comparison of gait and features of gait, to assist the process of identification. The gait patterns and features of gait used in this process are usually those captured on closed circuit television (CCTV) footage, which needs to be examined in depth by the forensic podiatrist. As in other forensic identification processes, unknown or questioned footage of the person of interest in relation to a crime scene is compared against known footage that has been made of a known person. Conclusions are then made as to the value of the features that are seen to either match or mismatch in this comparison. This chapter defines forensic gait analysis, describes the processes involved, and comments on cautions that should be adopted while performing this work.
John A. DiMaggio, Wesley Vernon
Chapter 7. Identification from Podiatry Records
Abstract
As a routine aspect of their practice, podiatrists are required to keep accurate and relevant records of their patients, their foot condition, associated diagnoses, and subsequent treatment. This recorded information has previously been demonstrated to have value in person identification. This chapter considers identification from podiatry records, presents an overview of the approaches that would be taken in this work, and considers potential sources of error that forensic podiatrists may encounter.
John A. DiMaggio, Wesley Vernon

Pedal Case Work

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Chapter 8. Case Studies in Forensic Podiatry
Abstract
The previous chapters have covered the theory and methods employed in forensic podiatry practice. This chapter presents a number of forensic podiatry case studies to illustrate how the methods presented and discussed in the earlier chapters may work in practice. Obviously, these only cover a limited range of scenarios, but it is hoped that the reader will gain enough of an understanding from these to see how podiatric knowledge would “typically” be employed in forensic podiatry situations.
John A. DiMaggio, Wesley Vernon

Medicolegal Concerns

Voorwerk
Chapter 9. Expert Witness Considerations and Standards of Practice
Abstract
The forensic podiatrist is an expert witness whose overriding duties are to the court. In performing these duties, the podiatrist must live and work to high professional standards and during practice, should work to defined protocols. This chapter covers this area and provides an explanation of these standards and protocols, adherence to which will go a long way to preventing errors from occurring while working as a forensic podiatrist.
John A. DiMaggio, Wesley Vernon
Nawerk
Meer informatie
Titel
Forensic Podiatry
Auteurs
John A. DiMaggio
Wesley Vernon OBE
Copyright
2011
Uitgeverij
Humana Press
Elektronisch ISBN
978-1-61737-976-5
Print ISBN
978-1-61737-975-8
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61737-976-5