Guide for the Collection of Footwear and Tire Impressions in the Field

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   See also the instructional videos on "Footwear and Tire Track Impressions"

1. Scope

1.1  This Guide provides procedures for the collection of footwear and tire impressions in the field.

1.2  The particular procedures and methods employed in a given case will depend on the nature and quality of the impressions.

1.3  This Guide may not cover all aspects of unusual or uncommon conditions.

1.4  This Guide does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this Guide to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5  This Guide is not intended as a substitute for training in the recovery of forensic footwear and tire track evidence. Completion of a training program and experience in these skills are essential to understanding and applying the principles outlined in this Guide.

2. Terminology

Refer to the Standard for Terminology Used for Forensic Footwear and Tire Impression Evidence for a definition of terms used in this document.

3. Significance and Use

3.1  The procedures outlined here are grounded in the generally accepted body of knowledge and experience for the collection of footwear and tire impression evidence. By following these procedures, both patent and latent impressions can be collected.

3.2  Footwear and tire tread impressions are collected in the field for examination purposes.

4. Interferences

4.1  Footwear and tire evidence may have inherent limitations that can interfere with the procedures in this Guide. Limitations, when known, should be noted and recorded.

4.2  Limitations can be due to environmental factors, substrate features, and the quality of original impressions.

5. Equipment and Requirements

5.1  Electrostatic lifting device

5.2  Casting and lifting materials

5.3  Materials for physical and chemical enhancement

5.4  Photographic equipment

5.5  Scales and tape measures

5.6  Sufficient time for proper collection of evidence

6. Procedures

The following procedures may be used, as appropriate, depending on the composition of the impression evidence and the substrate material. The order of the following collection methods may vary from scene to scene.

6.1  Document and/or photograph (as set forth in the Guide for the Forensic Documentation and Photography of Footwear and Tire Impressions at the Crime Scene) impressions prior to and after any procedure.

6.2  Recover items bearing impression evidence when possible.

6.3  Collect impressions.

6.3.1  Three-dimensional impressions in soil, sand, and snow


6.3.1.1  Cast impressions using accepted methods and materials.

6.3.2 Two-dimensional impressions


6.3.2.1  Collect dry origin impressions using electrostatic lifting device, gelatin, or adhesive lifters.

6.3.2.2  Collect wet origin impressions using lifting techniques and/or chemical/physical enhancement techniques, as appropriate.

Note: Consideration should be given to field processing of articles and impressions which may be unintentionally damaged during packaging and transportation.

6.4  Collect elimination impressions and/or photographs of footwear and tires of nonsuspect persons and vehicles.


6.4.1  Document brand, manufacturer, size, and DOT information of tires.

6.4.2  Document brand of footwear.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

7. Report

7.1  Procedures utilized and impressions collected should be documented and may also appear in a report.

8. Bibliography

Abbot t, J. R. Footwear Evidence; Charles C. Thomas: Springfield, IL, 1964.

Bodziak, W. J. Footwear Impression Evidence, 2nd ed.; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, 2000.

Cassidy, M. J. Footwear Identification; Public Relations Branch of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police: 1980. (Reprinted by Lightning Powder Company, Inc. 1995.)

Hilderbrand, D. S. Footwear, The Missed Evidence; Staggs Publishing: Temecula, CA, 1999.

IAI Recommended Course of Stud y for Footwear & Tire Track Examiners; International Assoc. Identification: Mendota Htgs., M N, 1995.

McDonald, P. Tire Imprint Evidence; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, 1992.

Nause, L. Forensic Tire Impression Identification Canadian Police Research Cent re: Ottawa, ON, Canada, 2001.

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