RESEARCH ON MODERN FORENSIC METHODS OF DETECTION, RECORD, SEIZURE OF SHOEPRINTS AND THEIR FURTHER ACCOUNTING FOR CRIME DETECTION

Abstract

Shoe prints that have been traced by crime scene investigators at the crime scene can provide information relating to a criminal or a group of criminals that have committed it, and serve as evidence while pre-trial investigation. Furthermore, shoe prints provide information on the possible participation of the same person in different types of crimes (to integrate crimes).

At present, the number of crimes related to stealing civilian properties, including robbery, has significantly increased as a result of economic crisis in many countries around the world.

As the studies and the practical experience while investigating crime scenes by police in many countries show, footwear evidence as much as physical evidence have not been given due attention.

In order to improve the quality of crime scene examination when seizing traces of shoes, the quality of removed traces of shoes, and, as a consequence, increase the efficiency of crime detection using traces of shoes, there is a necessity in:

1. Introduction of modern forensic tools and methods for detecting, seizing traces of shoes, and further comparative research.
2. Establishment of the Unified National Automated System at the legislative level for accounting and identification of shoeprints seized from unsolved crime sites.
3. Creating professional forums to share experiences with leading international forensic experts.
4. Establishing the terms for traces and shoeprints storage and use registered (for example, not more than two years from the date of registration) at the legislative level.

In addition, implementation and development of automatic database systems with the ability to conduct identification between shoeprints evidence seized from different crime scenes can provide the investigator with significant information on the possible involvement of the same person in commission of different crimes (to combine crimes), conduct so-called forensic intelligence.

A shoeprint as a single piece of evidence may not be weighty enough but combined with additional evidence it is vital for detecting and investigating a crime.

In conclusion, it should be noted that this area has great prospects for development and, undoubtedly, should be addressed by forensic experts in this field.