Modern trace evidence analysis, a key tool in forensic science and forensic investigation, has undergone significant transformation due to digitalization and the development of interdisciplinary approaches. Current comparison methods are characterized by a shift from traditional visual assessment to the integrated use of quantitative, computer, and instrumental technologies, significantly increasing the objectivity, accuracy, and evidentiary value of conclusions. Trace evidence analysis is based on the fundamental principle of the individualizing ability of objects to leave traces of their external features (traces) and their mutual correspondence. The purpose of comparison is to establish the identity, or lack thereof, between the trace being examined and experimental samples obtained from the object being examined. The evolution of comparison methods is aimed at minimizing the subjective factor and formalizing the process.
trace examination, expert experiment, comparison methods, relevance
1. Korytov, D.A. Tipichnye oshibki oformleniya rezul'tatov raboty specialista v protokole osmotra mesta proisshestviya [Typical errors in the presentation of the results of the specialist's work in the crime scene inspection report]. Kriminalistika: vchera, segodnya, zavtra – Forensic science: yesterday, today, tomorrow. 2022, no. 4, p.68-80. (in Russian).
2. Granovskij, G.L. Matematicheskie metody i EVM v proizvodstve trasologicheskih ekspertiz / Ispol'zovanie matematicheskih metodov i EVM v ekspertnoj praktike [Mathematical methods and computers in the production of trace examinations / The use of mathematical methods and computers in expert practice]. M.: VNIISE MU USSR, 1989. P. 155-160. (in Russian).
3. Gribunov, O. P. 100-letie ekspertno-kriminalisticheskoj sluzhby MVD Rossii: vekhi istorii [100th Anniversary of the Forensic Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia: Milestones in History]. Vestnik Vostochno-Sibirskogo instituta MVD Rossii – Bulletin of the East Siberian Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. - 2019. - No. 2 (89). - P. 155-162. (in Russian).
4. Kantor, I. V. Ekspertnoe issledovanie sledov obuvi cheloveka // Trasologiya i trasologicheskaya ekspertiza : uchebnik. [Expert examination of human shoe prints // Traceology and traceological examination: textbook]. Moscow: IMC GUK MVD of Russia, 2002. pp. 54–77. (in Russian).
5. Korytov, D. A., Svyatnenko, A. V. O praktike trasologicheskogo issledovaniya ob"emnyh sledov podoshv obuvi, zafiksirovannyh na fotoizobrazheniyah [On the practice of traceological research of volumetric traces of shoe soles recorded on photographic images]. Kriminalistika: vchera, segodnya, zavtra – Forensic science: yesterday, today, tomorrow. 2021, no. 1 (17), pp. 94-101. (in Russian).
6. SHvedko, V. N., Zagorovskij, S. V., Kudalin, A. P., Maslennikova, V. V. Osobennosti trasologicheskogo issledovaniya sledov, zafiksirovannyh na fotoizobrazheniyah : prakticheskie rekomendacii [Features of trace examination of traces recorded in photographs: practical recommendations]. Moscow: Forensic Science Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, 2017. pp. 1–20. (in Russian).
7. Majlis, N. P. Trasologiya i trasologicheskaya ekspertiza : uchebnik [Traceology and trace examination: textbook]. M.: Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia named after V. Ya. Kikot, 2024. P. 564– 574. (in Russian).
8. Korytov, D. A. Metodika opredeleniya ugla, obrazovannogo opticheskoj os'yu ob"ektiva fotoapparata i ploskost'yu obnaruzhennogo sleda podoshvy obuvi (avtotransportnogo sredstva) [Method for determining the angle formed by the optical axis of a camera lens and the plane of a detected footprint of a shoe (vehicle)]. Kriminalistika: vchera, segodnya, zavtra – Forensic science: yesterday, today, tomorrow. 2024, no. 3(31), p. 88-98. (in Russian).
