Forensic Investigators in the UK Utilize Innovative Footwear Analysis Technology for Criminal Identification
A groundbreaking collaboration between Staffordshire University and West Yorkshire Police has led to the development of a new system that employs 3D scanning technology to identify criminals captured on CCTV through their footwear.
According to TechXplore, the rising reliance on footage from various sources to apprehend criminals has prompted researchers to focus on effectively identifying shoes as a means of distinguishing individuals involved in criminal activities.
Claire Gwinnett, Professor of Forensic and Environmental Science, highlighted the prevalence of criminals obscuring their faces and donning dark clothing, leaving only their shoes as a viable means of identification. To address this challenge, the research team developed a method to capture information from the upper parts of footwear and generate a 3D representation of a shoe in visible and infrared light, enhancing the identification process under different lighting conditions often present in CCTV footage.
Dr. Megan Needham, the postdoctoral researcher, outlined the process, which involves using a photography light box, turntable, and camera to capture 3D scans and enhance the accuracy and efficiency of identifying the type of shoe and its appearance under various lighting scenarios. The cost of the necessary equipment is less than £500, making it a practical and accessible tool for footwear units nationwide.
The ongoing refinement of this method will be followed by pilot testing by different police forces in the coming year, paving the way for its potential extension to a national database of footwear uppers accessible by police professionals throughout the country. This groundbreaking technology has the potential to significantly contribute to the forensic capabilities of police investigations.
The researchers are optimistic about the future applications of this method and its impact on enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of footwear identification in forensic investigations.
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