Forensic podiatry

Forensic Podiatry is a sub-discipline of forensic science wherein knowledge of forensic medicine is used in conjunction with knowledge of the anatomy, function, deformities and diseases of the foot, ankle, lower extremities, and at times, the entire human body, to examine foot-related evidence in a legal and/or criminal investigation e are currently four area of forensic podiatry practice. These includes podiatrists consideration of bare footprints(both static and dynamic), footwear (specifically features wear and fit) podiatrists records and gait analysis in the forensic context.

Foot-related evidence can comprise different forms, including: static and dynamic foot impressions (i.e. footprints) in footwear, on surfaces, in substrates, on victims; partial or complete pedal remains; or as found in medical records or x-ray (often to identify unknown individuals). In the course of an investigation, forensic podiatrists may examine footprints, footwear, or analyze and compare the gait of unknown individuals.

In 1971, Dr Norman Gunn DPM, a Podiatric Physician from Canada was the first podiatrist worldwide to undertake forensic podiatry case work. In 1989, Dr Wesley Vernon PhD, a podiatrist from the UK began to undertake research in forensic podiatry and later began to undertake case work from the mid 1990s. In the early 1990s, Dr John DiMaggio DPM, a Podiatric Physician began to undertake forensic podiatry case work in the US.

In September 2003, an organization was formed called the American Society of Forensic Podiatry. In July 2007, a forensic podiatry science and practice subcommittee was established within the structure of the International Association for Identification. This committee was first chaired by Dr Wesley Vernon and is now chaired by Dr Sarah Reel, another UK based forensic podiatrist.

In 2008, the UK Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners (CRFP) developed a competency test for forensic podiatrists. The CRFP is no long in existence, but this testing process was developed further by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences in the UK and is available for those practising in this field.

In 2011 a M level course in forensic podiatry was developed at the University of Hudersfield in the UK. This was later developed further into a full MSc course at that university.

Also in 2011, the first forensic podiatry textbook was written by Drs DiMaggio and Vernon. This book considered all areas of forensic podiatry practice. (Forensic Podiatry: principles and methods. In 2017, an updated 2nd edition of this book was published by CRC Press. This 2nd edition is much more comprehensive and covers many of the developments that have taken place in forensic podiatry since 2011.

In 2013 a Forensic Podiatry group was started at New York College of Podiatric Medicine under the auspices of Dr. Bryan B. Kagan DPM. In addition to the group a formal class covering the aspects of Forensic Podiatry is being held at New York College of Podiatric Medicine open to their Podiatrist candidates. Students exit the class with an in depth knowledge of Forensic Podiatry and other legal knowledge applicable to current cases.

Also in 2013, a student forensic podiatry group was started at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine.

In 2016, a Forensic Podiatry Club was started at the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, created by Elizabeth Ansert.

In 2017, at the behest of the UK Regulator for Forensic Science, standards of practice for forensic gait analysis are ding written and at the time of writing have been put out for consultation. It is anticipated that these will be completed in early 2018.

External links

• https://www.crcpress.com/Forensic-Podiatry-Principles-and-Methods-Second-Edition/Vernon-DiMaggio/p/book/9781482235135
• New York College of Podiatric Medicine
• American Society of Forensic Podiatry
• Forensic Podiatry: Dr.Bryan B. Kagan,DPM
• Forensic Podiatrist: Dr. Michael Nirenberg
• Comparing Dynamic Shod Foot Impressions with Dynamic Barefoot and Shod Foot Impressions
• Emergence of forensic podiatry—A novel sub-discipline of forensic sciences
• Identification: Prints – Footprints: Encyclopedia of Forensic and Legal Medicine (Second Edition)