Cameras, for example, may carry serial numbers stamped directly into a polymer section of the body. Inevitably, there are exceptions to this. Generally, direct application on to the object is used when the item is composed of metal, and labels are used on plastic items. Serial numbers can be applied to objects by way of adhesive labels, or direct impression on to the actual object. Reading the available literature, attending specific courses, seminars and workshops, touring footwear manufacturing facilities and conducting research are ways of obtaining further knowledge. This normally includes working cases and practical exercises of sufficient quantity over an extended period of time to enable the trainee examiner to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge related to this forensic discipline. Examiners in this field should be afforded specific training and experience under the direct supervision of an experienced and qualified footwear impression examiner. Being qualified as an expert in other forensic disciplines is not, in itself, qualification to conduct examinations between questioned footwear impressions and known shoes. to prevent positive identification of stolen property.įootwear impression examinations should be made by persons who have received additional specialized training and are experienced in that discipline.

to hide the origin of items used in the commission of a crime, such as removing the number from a firearm used in a murder.

the perpetration of fraud, such as portraying an item to be of a different value when making an insurance claim.

The reasons for the removal are varied, and include: Serial numbers are regularly removed from items in order to hide their true identity. However, should a characteristic be less clear or contain fewer features, such as a very tiny hole, more than one characteristic would be needed for identification.

If a characteristic such as this were of the same size, shape, position and orientation on both a crime scene impression and a shoe sole of the same design, it could be sufficient alone to permit a positive identification.

An example would be a feature generally shaped like an ‘X’ with one stem of the ‘X’ longer than the other, and terminating in a slight curve. In some cases, they are encoded to carry information about the product, such as date of manufacture, model type, etc.identify a shoe, providing the characteristic was sufficiently clear and detailed, and reflected sufficient significant features in common with the scene impression. In most instances, they are simply a sequential number, which describes how many units in a particular production sequence have been produced. They are used to distinguish items from others of a similar appearance. Serial numbers are present on many everyday objects.

Aptrigga serial number