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Research Day 2011 – Jamie Johnson – Outsole Frequency Study of Suspect Shoe Impressions Compared to a Student Population

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Outsole Frequency Study of Suspect Shoe Impressions Compared to a Student Population

Biography:

Jamie Johnson is from Eden Prairie, Minnesota.  She graduated from Baylor University in 2009 with a B.S. in forensic science and minors in chemistry and biology.  She is a second-year graduate student in the Marshall University Forensic Science Program, completing emphases in crime scene investigation, computer forensics, and forensic chemistry. 

Abstract:

The more frequent a shoe is in a given population means that there will be a larger suspect pool when making comparisons, as a greater number of shoes will share class characteristics.  The purpose of this research was to determine the outsole frequency of suspect shoe impressions (from law enforcement agencies) compared to a student population (taken using the Identicator® LE-25 Inkless Foot/Shoe Print kit).  The most frequent shoe among students was an Old Navy flip-flop, while the most frequent suspect shoe was a Nike Air Force 1.  Based on this data, the frequency study should be done year-round.  A general population frequency study should also be attempted to help link the two populations together.    

Poster:

Outsole Frequency Study of Suspect Shoe Impressions Compared to a Student Population

References:

  1. Bodziak, W.J.  Footwear impression evidence:  CRC  Press: Boca Raton, FL, 1995.
  2. Bodziak, W.J.  Footwear Impression Evidence: Detection, Recovery and Examination, 2nd ed.: CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, 1999.
  3. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Examination of Footwear Impression Evidence. Marshall University, June 21, 2010-June 24, 2010.
  4. Adair, T.W.; Lemay, J.; McDonald, A.; Shaw, R.; Tewes, R. The Mount Bierstadt Study: An Experiment in Unique Damage Formation in Footwear.  J. For. Ident.  2007, 57 (2), 199-205.
  5. Wyatt, J.M.; Duncan, K.; Trimpe, M.A.  Aging of Shoes and its Effect on Shoeprint Impressions.  J. For. Ident.       2005, 55 (2), 181-188. 

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