Deborah Leary - Forensic Stepping Plates

Founder and Managing Director of Forensic Pathways Ltd
Board Member to the Midlands World Trade Forum
British Female Inventor of the Year 2005

Forensic Stepping Plates

These are clear, low level platforms that are placed through a crime scene in order that an investigator can walk through the scene and work within it without contaminating the evidence.  They are provided with disposable rubber pads which fit to the feet of the plates and which can then be removed and ‘bagged and tagged’ as evidence.

The Idea

Whilst working as a Training Manager for 9 years I took a degree in English Lang/Lit and was due to start a new job as a lecturer at a college teaching Business Admin/English.  Between jobs I attended a forensic conference in Toronto with my policeman husband.  On listening to a conversation between UK/Canadian Police I identified a potential gap.  The UK Police stated that they were required to use Plates: the Canadians hadn’t heard of them. Making a note on hotel notepaper, ‘find out about stepping plates/shoes, found open market, set up co.’ I returned home and got a plate sample. They were aluminium, heavy, unstackable, difficult to clean.  It was obvious that investigators needed to be able to see the scene they were working!  It was important the plates were clear, stackable, lightweight and that any evidence gathered on the base of the feet could be retained as evidence.

The Problems

Problems have been mostly centered round the unreliability of manufacturers and lack of communication.

The Solution

Most important thing to remember is to link with as many relevant associations as possible who will give you the necessary support ie:

Manufacturers Association
Business Link
Chamber of Commerce
UK Trade & Investment

Most important thing to remember is that no one understands your product like you do.  Don’t rely on other people or wait for other people to act.  You must be responsible for driving it on.

The Success

Product is now sold extensively in the UK and is sold internationally via our distributors in Australia, USA, South Africa.  Also due to appoint a distributor in France.

Awards to date:
SMART Award
Business of the Year 2003
Most Innovative Business 2003
Technology & Innovation Award 2003
British Female Inventor of the Year 2005

There is light at the end of the tunnel and it’s shining brightly!

Email: Deborah Leary
Forensic Pathways Ltd www.forensic-pathways.com