The UK Forensic Science Service has launched the UK’s first online footwear coding and detection management system, Footwear Intelligence Technology (FIT). The new system is designed to increase crime detection rates by quickly identifying footwear marks left at crime scenes and linking these to other crimes and suspects.

The online system is updated daily and is said to be the most comprehensive crime-scene-related collection of footwear patterns in the UK. It contains thousands of footwear patterns including sole and upper shoe images, brand logos and examples of each type of footwear.

Footwear marks are the second most common evidence type left at crime scenes and the new technology will give police immediate information on what make and model of shoe has left the crime scene mark in question. It can also help to link crime scenes to potential suspects, searching for links at local and national level.

FIT is currently being piloted by six forces in Wales and the North of England, and will be available to all UK police forces from March.