NCJ Number
210512
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 55 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2005 Pages: 503-517
Date Published
July 2005
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined 100 pairs of a footwear model produced through a die-cut process, in order to identify any variations that resulted in the manufacturing process.
Abstract
The author, who works in the crime laboratory of the Honolulu Police Department (Hawaii), frequently deals with crime-scene footprints produced by inexpensive "flip-flops." One of the more popular brands, the "Locals" rubber slipper distributed by Zori Zori in Hawaii, was selected for this study, specifically size 10 brand model 1350 manufactured in China. Information on the manufacturing process was obtained through an interpreter, so the author advises that the manufacturing information may not be entirely correct. The slippers are manufactured by a die-cut process, which uses a clicker machine that stamps down on a steel die to cut outsoles from sheet material, a process analogous to the use of a cookie cutter on sheets of dough. This paper describes analysis procedures used in examining 100 unworn pairs of the slipper. The analysis found that no two slipper soles examined were cut exactly the same in terms of the orientation of the design elements on the sole, which consists of diamond-shaped elevations arranged in rows. Variations in the orientation of the pattern on the sole, together with the positioning of the strap plugs and variations in the physical size of the design elements on the sole, should enable an examiner to distinguish between the majority of soles in a particular size of this footwear model. 1 reference and appended tables of pattern coding data and pattern measurements