About Us

The American Society of Forensic Podiatry (ASFP) was created to advance the cause of forensic podiatry and to develop and maintain the highest standards of practice via research, discussion, education, publications, and liason with other organized agencies. The objective of this organization is to promote the use of podiatry in forensics cases, utilizing the analysis and evaluation of evidence related to the human foot, while maintaining the highest standards of practice. The organization promotes these objectives through continuing education for its members by way of educational seminars, study, newsletters, discussion, publications and liaison with other organized disciplines. A strong emphasis on podiatric research in the forensics field is encouraged.

ASFP: A brief history

In September of 2000, the "First Annual Forensic Podiatry Seminar" was held in Scottsdale, Arizona. Eighteen podiatrists and several law enforcement personnel were in attendance. At that meeting there was a consensus that we need to form an organization. In September, 2003, an organization was formed called the American Society of Forensic Podiatry. By-laws were organized and accepted, and 22 individuals joined as charter members. In July, 2007, with the help of ASFP members, a forensic podiatry sub-committee was established within the structure of the International Association for Identification.

About forensic podiatry

The field of forensic podiatry deals with pedal evidence. Pedal evidence can comprise a number of different forms relative to the static or dynamic foot as well as the footwear that housed it. This can include bloody footprints, footprints in a substrate such as dirt or dust, or the foot impression on the sock liner of the shoe. The shoe itself may need to be evaluated for a wear pattern on the outsole but more so for wear characteristics in the upper relative to a foot pathology. Shoes are not uncommonly left at or near a crime scene and it may be necessary to identify whether the suspect in custody wore them. Forensic podiatry also includes the analysis of pedal remains, using such evidence as x-rays and medical records, to assist with the identification of an unknown individual.