Most of us are pretty much acquainted with forensic procedures on Crime scenes, thanks to TV series such as C.S.I., Criminal Minds and, coming back in time, Twin Peaks.
The newspapers quite daily offer us the details of murders taken place both indoor and outdoor, in an unceasing attempt to feed our apparent curiosity.
So we can consider ourselves quite familiar with the forensic investigations applied.
We know, for example, that each single inspection on crime scene involve two different phases.
The very first one is the so called Survey phase and the subsequent one is the Investigation phase. The first process includes the detection of clues: all the data and material elements which can be collected at the crime scene. Bloodstains (related to them we talk about BPA – Bloodstains Pattern Analysis: “Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) is the interpretation of bloodstains at a crime scene in order to recreate the actions that caused the bloodshed. Analysts examine the size, shape, distribution and location of the bloodstains to form opinions about what did or did not happen” (NFSTC), hair, textile fibres, and so on. Like footprints.
Two movies, in my opinion, are quite pithy in this case.
The Bone Collector (1999) and Smilla’s Sense of Snow (1997) both contain very well layered and, forensically speaking, explained scenes based on Forensic Tracking.
You can notice that by yourself watching the frames.
Let me tell you that, when I lead my Tracking classes in Italy, I often mention criminal cases solved through the successful application of Forensic Tracking. This is due to the fact Italy does not have any kind of tradition in Tracking, not talking about hunting. Surprisingly, this Country has been one of first States to introduce the footprints found on the scene as evidence.
In indoor scenarios, tracks (called by Forensics “footprints” or “imprints”) represent a real challenge, especially on tough surfaces like tiles, parquetry and on carpets, if the person who left them (and they always do, standing to Sir Edmund Locard’s Principle “Every contact leaves a trace“) carries no material under the pattern of his/her shoes. No mud, no blood, no any other kind of substance.
If so, the “transfer” process will lead the Forensic Operators to easily identify the tracks and the whole tracklines, or even more than one.
The tracks speak clear to the Investigators: reading them properly, like in any Outdoor context, drive them to the fair reconstruction of what really happened. Two people fighting each other, for example. Then a sudden stabbing. Footprints appear to be extremely near to each other, and some tracks can overlap. Easy, right?
Nonetheless, this is far from being simple when on the crime scenes no clear footprints appear to be found. But they are! In the last years, very sophisticated tools have been developed in order to help the investigators to find any latent footprint. An example are the Electrostatic dust print lifting devices, which “give the scientist the ability to enhance, collect and preserve such impressions. Electrostatic dust print lifting devices operate by charging a plastic film, placed over the dust print, which creates electrostatic adhesions and draws the film onto the surface bearing the print. The dust particles are attracted to the film because of this charge and adhere to it The film retains a charge after the unit is turned off, thus retaining the particles of dust. The print must be composed of loose residue, and the residue must be dry for this process to work. Also, a proper ground must be achieved when applying the electrical charge. On some surfaces it is difficult or impossible to achieve a ground and the procedure will not work, necessitating alternative lifting methods.” (BCA – Bureau of Criminal Apprehension).
As well as Technology plays an essential role in Forensic Tracking due to the valuable aid which specific tools can provide to the Operators, any manhunt or search conducted offgrid still rely themself on the skills of competent Trackers and K-9 Units.
I’m referring to the cases of the “Phantom of the forests”, Barry Prudom, taken place in the summer of 1982 and the search of John Bingham, 7th Earl of Lucan, “Lord Lucan”, vanished without leaving any trace on November, 7th, 1974.
I will analyse both cases in the next articles, proving if Tracking techniques has effectively led to successful results.
About The Author
Article by Kyt Lyn Walken. Official Representative and Instructor for Hull’s Tracking School and Certified Conservation Ranger for the NGO Conservation Rangers Operations Worldwide. Kyt will be in the UK running a workshop 18 – 20 February, 2022 Telford, Shropshire (U.K.) “The Art of Tracking Class” with FERAL YAMYAM BUSHCRAFT School.
Leave a Reply