Lesley Hammer, CSCSA, CFWE, D-ABC

Footwear & Tire Track Evidence:
Effective Crime Scene Recovery

About this Course

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Course Description

Footwear and tire track evidence is underutilized and often overlooked; yet it should be present at every crime scene. Effective recovery of footwear and tire track evidence requires proper application of detection, photography, note taking, chemical development and collection techniques. There are increased expectations to be thorough, transparent, and to use standard techniques as a result of both the post NAS Report and TV CSI exposed juries. This course will enable participants to be both competent and confident collecting footwear and tire track evidence at a crime scene, evaluating the value to an investigation and presenting the evidence in court.

The emphasis of this course is on the practice of a wide variety of techniques to achieve proficiency recovering footwear and tire track evidence, and the application of techniques and skills to crime scene circumstances. To evaluate impressions at the crime scene, knowledge of manufacturing characteristics and characteristics that result from the wearing of shoes and tires will be discussed. Manufacturing and design information can provide important investigative intelligence, this along with the use and availability of databases and other resources will be discussed. The course will cover the standards that apply to this evidence, the written report contents and manner of testimony required to accurately and clearly convey this evidence.

This course is conducted primarily through hands on experience. Participants will practice photography including lighting techniques and the proper sequence of photographs needed to compose and document track evidence. Techniques and materials for lifting, casting and chemically enhancing impressions will be practiced, with emphasis on determination of which technique to use and on the notes and photographs needed to document both the scene context and the impression for comparison.

Both two- and three-dimensional track evidence, in a variety of substrates will be practiced and discussed in this course. Participants will experience each set of skills, and then practice application of techniques to crime scene scenarios, allowing for direct application to field work upon completion of the course.

Course Objectives:

• An overview of footwear and tire evidence will be included to provide a basis of understanding of this type of evidence including manufacturing, databases and resources available and role of this evidence in investigations.
• Students will practice proper photography of footwear and tire track evidence for the purposes of examination, comparison and documentation.
• Students will utilize note taking, photography and diagramming techniques to document location, condition and processing.
• Students will learn detection techniques and the importance of protecting impression evidence from accidental and/or environmental destruction at the scene.
• Students will assess impression evidence and determine actions for recovery based on an analysis of the substances and surfaces involved.
• Students will practice with light source, electrostatic lifting and photography equipment.
• Students will practice with casting, lifting and test impression materials.
• Students will practice with blood enhancement reagents such as Amido Black, Leuco Crystal Violet and Blue Star®.
  The basic process of comparison of footwear and tire track evidence will be discussed to clarify the importance of recovery on effective examination and conclusions.
• Manufacturing and design characteristics that may provide investigative information will be discussed.
• Standards that apply to the collection and photography of footwear and tire track evidence will be provided.
• Report writing contents and structure will be discussed.
• Students will participate in both crime scene and mock trial exercises to practice the application of this course material to the field and court.
• Resources for continued learning and evaluation of methods will be suggested.