Accuracy and Reliability of Forensic Footwear Examiner Decisions

This technical report presents findings from the largest study conducted on the accuracy, reproducibility, and repeatability of forensic footwear examiner (FFE) decisions. The study involved 84 practicing FFEs who performed up to 100 comparisons each between questioned footwear impressions and known footwear, resulting in a total of 6,610 comparisons. The report details the methodology used, including the multilevel conclusion scale applied to categorize responses into definitive conclusions, probable conclusions, class associations, and neutral conclusions. The study highlights the rates of erroneous identifications and exclusions, noting that the majority of erroneous conclusions were made by a single participant. It also discusses the inconsistency in examiners' assessments regarding the suitability of impressions for comparison, suggesting a need for standardization. The findings aim to provide essential information to practitioners, laboratory managers, and the legal system regarding the reliability of footwear examination practices.