Club members please log in for more information.
4th May 2023 What is Forensic Podiatry Richard Povey
Richard started with the definition, which in summary is: an association between a footprint and a crime, as defined by Vernon and McCourt. He then went on to talk about the role of a Podiatrist as an expert witness in a court case, suggesting it’s not quite the same as DNA. He also mentioned that it is very rare that a podiatrist would visit a crime scene, that is the police role of a SOCO (Scene of Crime Officer), which means that ‘Silent Witness’, gives a totally wrong impression of what happens in real life. He cited an example of where Wesley Vernon (Sheffield Professor of Forensic Podiatry and World-renowned expert) returned from holiday to discover 72 floor boards that had been sent for his ‘views’, following a murder in Holland!
The main role is for them to present a clear, logical report on the evidence they have been given. Photographs of a footprint would provide: appearance; length; number of toes; toe positions, depending on whether a full or partial footprint. He then described the Gunn Method of foot measurements which give specific numbers which can provide guides on the height of the owner of the print.
Footwear was next discussed, although the Podiatrist would not normally involved, other than a print from an insole, but there can be marks and crease lines, but it’s mainly about the maker and type of shoe.
Blood and blood patterns are often important and Richard suggests that all traces of blood cannot be totally removed, even with bleach! He also mentioned gait analysis, used by the police mainly from CCTV footage.
Maggie gave the vote of thanks congratulating Richard on all the fascinating facts he had provided in an informative and interesting presentation, showing how much information can be gathered from feet. The members joined Maggie in the normal manner AR
'What We Do' Main Pages:
It's here that you can read what we've been up to in the last few months. For more information on our work in the local community, with our young people and internationally please access "what we do" section of this web site.
moreWe have now successfully run this event for 10 years. Full reports of each year are available under this main page
moreIf you like what we do as an organisation and are interested in volunteering with us, keeping up to date with our plans and future events then why not consider signing up as a friend of our Rotary Club
moreThis is a monthly meeting open to visitors from Bingham, Radcliffe, Cotgrave and all villages in surrounding area.
moreThis committee are involved in planning now we can raise funds for our chosen charities
moreOur International Committee is involved with Polio Plus - a Rotary initiative to eradicate Polio, World-wide; Sand dams; Aqua Boxes; Shelter Boxes; Collecting used spectacles, and many other projects
moreHere you can read about the many meetings we've had during our formation as a Rotary Club. The early years are a little short on detail...
more