Loss and Replacement of Small Particles on the Contact Surfaces of Footwear During Successive Exposures

Very small particles are ubiquitous in our environment. These “VSP” are particle dusts which, as noted by Gross [1], are our “environment or surroundings in miniature,” and as noted by Locard [2] “may be formed of all the debris and all kinds of bodies… all the substances, organic or inorganic, existing on the earth.” Everywhere people walk, VSP transfer to and from their footwear. The mere presence at a crime scene requires this contact and transfer, and the particles are known to persistent for long periods of time [3,4].

Source: Forensic Science International - November 15, 2016 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: David A. Stoney, Andrew M. Bowen, Paul L. Stoney Source Type: research