What is Forensic Podiatry

4th May 2023 What is Forensic Podiatry  Richard Povey

Richard started with the definition, which in summary is: an association between a footprint and a crime, as defined by Vernon and McCourt. He then went on to talk about the role of a Podiatrist as an expert witness in a court case, suggesting it’s not quite the same as DNA. He also mentioned that it is very rare that a podiatrist would visit a crime scene, that is the police role of a SOCO (Scene of Crime Officer), which means that ‘Silent Witness’, gives a totally wrong impression of what happens in real life.  He cited an example of where Wesley Vernon (Sheffield Professor of Forensic Podiatry and World-renowned expert) returned from holiday to discover 72 floor boards that had been sent for his ‘views’, following a murder in Holland!

The main role is for them to present a clear, logical report on the evidence they have been given. Photographs of a footprint would provide: appearance; length; number of toes; toe positions, depending on whether a full or partial footprint. He then described the Gunn Method of foot measurements which give specific numbers which can provide guides on the height of the owner of the print.

Footwear was next discussed, although the Podiatrist would not normally involved, other than a print from an insole, but there can be marks and crease lines, but it’s mainly about the maker and type of shoe.

Blood and blood patterns are often important and Richard suggests that all traces of blood cannot be totally removed, even with bleach!  He also mentioned gait analysis, used by the police mainly from CCTV footage.

Maggie gave the vote of thanks congratulating Richard on all the fascinating facts he had provided in an informative and interesting presentation, showing how much information can be gathered from feet.  The members joined Maggie in the normal manner                                           AR