The percentage of crime scene searches in the United States that detect and recover shoe impressions is very low. However, a solution to this problem is a device called an electrostatic dust print lifter (EDPL). This device assists crime scene investigators in finding and using shoe impression evidence that is either invisible or nearly invisible and that cannot be recovered successfully using other lifting or forensic photographic techniques. This article describes the process of shoe impression lifting, as well as viable lifting techniques in addition to EDPL. Choosing what method will work best in lifting an impression can be difficult. The EDPL is used to lift dry origin shoe impressions from crime scenes which are the most fragile and are among the hardest to visually locate. The application of static electricity to transfer a dry origin impression to a black surface was first practiced in Japan in the late 1960's. Today’s EDPL consists of a rechargeable high voltage source, a ground lead, a positive lead and the disposable lifting film. Electrostatic lifts are great for lifting, enhancing, and identifying shoe prints; however they are fragile and must be photographed before they can be fully utilized. The ability to electrostatically lift dry origin impressions is one of the most significant contributions to the scientific detection and recovery of footwear impression evidence at crime scenes. EDPL is relatively inexpensive and enables the recovery of highly detailed footwear impressions that otherwise could not be detected or recovered.
Electrostatic Lifting of Shoe Impressions
NCJ Number
200800
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 30 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2003 Pages: 94,96,100
Editor(s)
Ronnie Garrett
Date Published
June 2003
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article provides a description and explanation of the use of the electrostatic dust print lifter (EDPL) in aiding crime scene investigators in locating invisible shoe impression evidence.
Abstract