LANCASHIRE Constabulary has become the first force in the country to be granted accreditation for its forensic footwear laboratory.

The force’s Footwear Unit – part of Scientific Support - provides forensic analysis of footwear marks left at crime scenes.

Previously, such analysis would have been carried out by external service providers.

However, the unit has now been successful in obtaining formal accreditation from UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) for its footwear laboratory and processes.

The constabulary is now accredited to the same exacting standard as any forensic service provider.

This means that the unit can now provide an in-house service, which includes creating full statements for use as evidence in court, as well as expert testimony in the dock.

Dr Kath Mashiter, head of Scientific Support for Lancashire Constabulary, said footwear marks can be as individual as a fingerprint.

She said: "When a person stands on or kicks a surface, a footwear mark will often be left behind.

"The mark can be left in a variety of materials, including dust or blood on the floor.

"These marks can be photographed or recovered using a range of specialist techniques, including taking a cast of a 3D mark in mud or snow.

"These marks can then be examined to determine the type of shoe which made them, which we can use to associate an offender with the scene of the crime.”

The work will rarely, if ever, need to be sent out of force. This in turn will increase efficiency and reduce costs surrounding investigations.

Dr Mashiter added: "Being the first force in the country to have its own accredited Footwear Unit is something we have worked hard to achieve and we are very proud of our success. This will save both time and money and will result in offenders being brought to justice more quickly.”