Impression Evidence: Footwear, Tire, Bite marks and Tool marks Flashcards
2 levels of identification
class characteristics
individual characteristics
what are class characteristics?
items that point to a particular group
example of class characteristics
brand
tread of shoe
shoe size
what are individual characteristics?
items that point exclusively to one item/person
examples of individual characteristics
nicks and imbedded materials in shoe tread
2 types of impression evidence
-2 dimension
-3 dimension
what is 2-dimensional impression evidence?
length and width
examples of 2-dimensional impression evidence
footwear prints, tire tracks
what is 3-dimensional impression evidence?
length, width, and depth
examples of 3-dimensional impression evidence
footwear impressions, tire impressions, bite marks
order of impression documentation
-notes
-photography
-sketch
what is included in the notes section of impression documentation?
record location of impression, direction of travel, weather, substance composition, etc.
what is included in the photography section of impression documentation?
-Overalls- impression located in overall photos
-Midrange- of impression to a fixed and permanent object
-Close-up without scale
-Close-ups with scale- must use tripod, oblique lighting, compass, and take a series___/__several photos from various angles/sides
what is included in the sketch section of impression documentation?
place on sketch and measure distance to impression using baseline or triangulation
why do we need to use light on different areas of the impression evidence?
We want to highlight certain parts of that footwear with laser or light to do comparison photos of foot impression at crime scene and picture
2 processes to lift 2-D footwear prints
-gel lifter
-electrostatic lifter
what is the process of collecting a 2-D footwear print using gel lifter?
Lift with gel lifter- black or white
Photograph with and w/o a scale prior to lifting
May need to black powder dust surface prior to lifting
Submit to lab: gel lifter, photos, and suspect’s shoes
example of 2D footwear print with gel lifter
dust/dirt prints on counter top/floor
what can someone use instead of gel lifter?
tape lift
what type of prints are made with the suspect’s shoes?
ink prints
what do shoes have to have to be to be collected as evidence?
Shoes have to be worn, not fresh off the shelf
what is the process of collecting a 2-D footwear print using electrostatic lifter?
Use Electrostatic Dust Print Lifter
Must photograph with and w/o a scale before lifting
Sheet of __Mylar__ film is placed over print, roller is used to apply pressure, a high-voltage electrode is applied
Creates charge and causes dust to adhere to film
Not permanent, dust will loose adherence photograph shoeprint on film
Store in __dust________ - free box for transport to lab
what to do with shoe print prior to packaging?
Must photograph shoeprint on film prior to packaging
what is dentstone made up of?
calcium sulfate or gypsum
what is the process for collecting 3D footwear impressions?
cast using dentstone/dental stone
-must photograph with and w/o a scale before casting
how to use/make the cast using dentstone/dental stone?
Mix with water until like __pancake_ __batter__(2 pds of casting material and 12 ounces of water), no lumps, no bubbles
Slowly pour in impression, overlap all edges, may use object to guide pouring
At least ___2___ inches thick, use frame, use hair spray
Mark casts with N direction and case info
Let dry for approx. 45 min depending on temp and humidity
tips for using dentstone/dental stone
It can start to harden while pouring
May use hairspray (aquanet) to make a barrier between dentstone and print for substances with sand, hot cocoa, baby powder
order of collecting, packaging, and preservation of footwear impression casts
Dentstone__- calcium sulfate or gypsum
Package cast in cardboard box, mark fragile, let set for another couple hours, add padding to package
Do __NOT_____ remove debris from impression
Submit to Lab: shoeprint cast, photos, and suspect shoes
why should shoes be packaged separately?
To minimize cross-contamination from the cast we took at the crime scene and make sure the shoes do not damage the cast in transport
what to use for footwear impressions in snow? why?
shoe print wax
-the same wax that snowboarders use to help go down hills faster. It provides color for contrast and a barrier from the dentstone
2D example of tire tacks
3D example of tire tracks
-tire tracks on paved garage surface
-tire tracks in sand/dirt
how to process 3D footwear evidence
Use ___Dental Stone____________ to cast 2D and 3D
Must photograph with and w/o a scale before casting
Submit to lab: cast, photos, _tires__ (if possible) if not, ink tires on paper
Must encompass entire rotation of tires (cast/photos/inked)