Ivan Birch doc Forensic Gait Analysis: Principles and Practice

Gait analysis is the systematic study of human walking, using the eye and brain of experienced observers, augmented by instrumentation for measuring body movements, body mechanics, and the activity of the muscles. Since Aristotle’s work on gait analysis more than 2000 years ago, it has become an established clinical science used extensively in the healthcare and rehabilitation fields for diagnosis and treatment. Forensic Gait Analysis details the more recent, and rapidly developing, uses of gait analysis in the forensic sciences. This includes using observational gait analysis, especially based on video recordings, to assist in the process of identifying individuals. With the increase in use of CCTV and surveillance systems over the last 20 to 30 years, there has been a steady and rapid increase in the use of gait as evidence. Currently, gait analysis is widely used in the UK in criminal investigations, with increasing awareness of its potential use in the US, Europe, and globally. The book details the history of the science, current practices, and emergent application to establish best-practice standards that conform to those of other forensic science disciplines. Engagement with the Forensic Science Regulator, the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences in the UK, and the International Association for Identification has helped to ensure and enhance the quality assurance of forensic gait analysis. However, there remains a fundamental lack of standardized training and methodology for use in an evidentiary and investigative capacity. This book fills that void, serving as one of the first books to reflect the state of current practice and capabilities—outlining a standard of practice and expectations as to what gait analysis, and by association gait analysis experts, and corroborate. Forensic Gait Analysis will reflect the research and current forensic practices and serve as a state-of-the-art, definitive guide to the use of gait analysis in the forensic context—for both education and training purposes. It will be a welcome addition to the library of professionals in the areas of podiatry, gait analysis, forensic video analysis, law enforcement, and legal practitioners.