Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some common questions you may want to know about forensic podiatry, before formally contacting us or engaging our services:

What is Forensic Podiatry?

Forensic Podiatrists, or Crime Scene Impression Consultants, specialise in analysis of shoe prints, footprints, and partial imprints left at crime scenes, as well as analysing the gait and any impediments, to support forensic investigations and identification of suspects.

Forensic Podiatrists have a comprehensive understanding of human biomechanics and the human gait cycle, the pathophysiology of foot deformities, and how the combination of these two factors may affect impressions left at crime scenes.

They can also act as subject matter experts and expert witnesses within necessary legal frameworks.

Should I engage the services of a Forensic Podiatrist?

Dr Ould has consulted with over 100,000 patients & completed studies in the Advanced Examination & Comparison of Footwear Evidence. If impression evidence, footprint or shoeprint, has been identified at a crime scene it would be advisable to engage the services of a Forensic Podiatrist.

Forensic Podiatrists have a comprehensive understanding of human biomechanics and the human gait cycle, the pathophysiology of foot deformities, and how the combination of these two factors may affect impressions left at crime scenes.

In July 2007, a Forensic Podiatry Sub-Committee was established within the structure of the International Association for Identification (IAI), the oldest and largest Forensic Association in the world. The role and scope of forensic podiatry practice was delineated by the IAI;

“Forensic Podiatrists assist in the identification of perpetrators of crime evaluating the static and dynamic foot and the footwear that housed it, to include barefoot prints (in blood, dirt, dust or in the sock liner), footwear (outsole and upper wear patterns relative to foot pathology) and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Evidence.”

Dr Ould's vast knowledge and experience allow for a unique perspective on the intricacies that may be required when undertaking comparative analysis of footprint and shoe print impressions.

How long has Malibu Forensics been in business?

In 2000, Dr Mark Ould pursued an interest in Forensic Podiatry and commenced providing consultancy services and education from the confines of Malibu Podiatry, a business that he established in 1993. At that time Dr Ould was involved in the education of Western Australian Police Forensic Officers, as well as providing expert advice on the analysis and comparison of impression evidence identified at crime scenes. He also educated Forensic Officers on the importance of identifying and recording impressions that occurred in sequence so informative gait analysis may be undertaken.

It was when he started being approached by Defence lawyers to review evidence, that he realised that there was a lack of experts adequately trained to provide expert advice in Australia within this specialist field.

Malibu Forensics was officially incorporated in 2022 with an aim to provide consultancy services and expert advice with regards to Forensic Podiatry and comparative analysis of impressions identified at crime scenes.

What services does Malibu Forensics provide & do they provide expert advice to Prosecution & Defence lawyers?

Malibu Forensics performs comparative analysis on foot and footwear impressions that have been identified at a crime scene with test impressions of known suspects and footwear. Depending on the requirements of a particular case analysis will be performed on barefeet, as well as the shoe outsole, and in many circumstances the inner lining of the shoe and upper.

Footprints are extremely unique and intricacies that develop as a result of the numerous deformities that affect the feet can aid in the identification of an individual that may be responsible for impressions, as well as aiding in the exclusion of an individual who may have been accused of leaving impressions at a crime scene.

Following assessment a comprehensive report outlining the examinations, comparison and conclusion is provided. This report may be used in criminal cases and Dr Ould is available to attend court, if necessary, to provide expert testimony.

For many years Dr Ould has provided expert advice with regards to barefoot and footwear impressions to the Western Australian Police Service, Prosecution Lawyers, and Defence Lawyers.

What can I expect to receive from Malibu Forensics if I engage their services?

Prior to formally engaging the services of Malibu Forensics a 30 minute free consultation is offered to all clientele to determine whether engaging a Forensic Podiatrist will be beneficial to you and most importantly your client. Examinations will not commence until formal written instructions are received, as all parties require a clear and unambiguous understanding of expectations.

Once services have been formally engaged Dr Ould will require access to all pertinent evidence collected, including full resolution photographs, impression evidence, Police and court documents.

Following a thorough process of investigation and analysis Malibu Forensics will provide a comprehensive report outlining examination undertaken, findings from comparison of all evidence and a final conclusion.

Whilst Malibu Forensics is based in Perth, Western Australia, it has and continues to provide services to clients across Australia and overseas.

What is your fee schedule?

Malibu Forensics charges an hourly fee exclusive of GST for services provided. Our cost structure is open and transparent, and there are no hidden costs. As with any professional service, cost should not be the sole factor in ensuring you are engaging the right people.

To aid in the determination of whether engaging a Forensic Podiatrist will be beneficial to your case Malibu Forensics provides a one (1) hour free initial consultation. If it is determined that engaging our services will be beneficial you will be forwarded a fee structure outlining all reasonable and foreseeable costs.

A maximum daily fee is levied for court attendance and remote or interstate travel.

Malibu Forensics will provide you with full cost disclosure upfront and will not commence any evidence analysis until formal written instructions have been received and all parties have a clear and unambiguous understanding of expectations.

For further information regarding the fee schedule contact us to discuss pricing arrangements.

Will you travel to engage directly with clients & attend court?

Yes.

Circumstances exist where travel to meet with clients is necessary. The foot is a dynamic structure and in some instances it is important to be able to exam and work with a client in person. The majority of services provided by Malibu Forensics are conducted from an office in Western Australia and current technology allows comparative analysis services to be provided to clients world wide.

Dr Mark Ould has previously attended prisons to conducted examinations on inmates, which allows for independent collection of evidence, so that thorough comparative analysis may be performed with evidence collected from a crime scene. There are varying reasons for why this may be necessary, but in most instances it is due to the impressions taken from an accused not being viable or appropriate to allow for thorough comparative analysis, or it may be that extra impressions are required to complete a thorough examination.

Dr Ould charges a fixed daily fee should he be required to travel for client assessment or court appearance.

All costs associated with travel are detailed and clearly explained prior to any services being provided by Malibu Forensics and services will not commence until formal written instructions have been received and signed by all parties.

What evidence does Malibu Forensics require access to?

During the initial consultation with Malibu Forensics you will be advised what evidence they will require to commence analysis. This may vary between clients due to the nature of the impressions identified and collected. All legal documents, correspondence between parties and photographs that pertain to the case will need to be reviewed by Malibu Forensics.

Unable to find the answer you were searching for? Send an email & we will respond to your query.