FBI footwear expert treads on UK soil

William J. Bodziak, whose forensic analyses and testimonies include famous cases such as the OJ Simpson criminal and civil trials and the McVeigh and Nichols Oklahoma bombing trials, is delivering The ‘Examination of Footwear Mark Evidence’ course at the force headquarters in Hutton, Preston, all this week.

Mr Bodziak is one of the leading forensic footwear practitioners in the world.

He is the author of the world renowned textbooks titled Footwear Impression Evidence: Detection, Recovery and Examination and Tire Tread And Tire Track Evidence.

Danyela Kellett, Head of Lancashire Constabulary’s Footwear Unit, said: “This is a real coup for Lancashire Constabulary – normally Mr Bodziak runs courses in the United States and this is the first time he will be delivering a course in the UK.”

The course is being attended by footwear experts from 10 different police forces, including Police Service Northern Ireland and the College of Policing.

The course will focus on the examination of footwear mark evidence, including information on the manufacturing of footwear, enhancement of impressions and evidence recovery methods.

Danyela Kellett added: “We are proud to be holding this event in Lancashire and excited to have such a world renowned expert in this field passing on his knowledge to our staff and staff from police forces across the country.”

Mr Bodziak’s forensic analyses and testimonies include famous cases such as the OJ Simpson criminal and civil trials and the McVeigh and Nichols Oklahoma bombing trials.

The course will run from Monday to Friday, December 8 to 12.