Course Description
Many criminals are aware of leaving fingerprints at a crime scene and therefore take measures to minimize their risk of doing so. However, they typically don’t consider depositing footwear and/or tire track impressions, thus leaving a wealth of evidence to be discovered. Sadly, footwear and tire track impressions are by far the most overlooked, improperly documented and under-collected types of forensic evidence, even though they may provide direct linkage between the victim, suspect and/or location. This hands-on course will provide the necessary guidance and information for the attendee to confidently detect, photograph, collect, and preserve this valuable but elusive evidence. Instruction will also be provided in the collection of footwear and tire track standards for examination/comparison purposes.
Target Audience
This course is appropriate and necessary for anyone tasked with detecting, photographing, and collecting footwear and tire track impression evidence. Patrol officers, detectives, crime scene personnel, and others are welcome to attend. Whether you are a novice or perhaps a bit more seasoned, you will acquire new knowledge, skills, and abilities to better perform your job and serve your community.
Course Logistics
Should be Able to Perform
At the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Understand the importance and significance of footwear and tire track evidence.
- Select the appropriate detection method for locating this evidence.
- Confidently take examination-quality photographs to document these impressions.
- Properly collect both two- and three-dimensional impression evidence through a variety of lifting and casting methods.
- Develop and/or enhance bloody impressions.
- Collect footwear and tire-track standards for comparison.
Course Schedule
| Duration | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | Introductions / Course Overview | Practical exercises: 2-D Impression Collection and Packaging | Cast CoIIection / Clean-up / Evaluation / Packaging |
| 1 Hour | Overview and Importance of Footwear Impression Evidence | Development and Enhancement of Bloody Impressions | Collection of Footwear Standards |
| 1 Hour | Types of Impressions and Detection Methods | Practical Exercises: Bloody Impressions (Amido Black / LCV) | Practical Exercises: Footwear standard collection using powder, acetate, inkless methods, and Biofoam |
| 1 Hour | Photographic Documentation and Equipment Considerations | Practical Exercises: 3-D Impression Detection and Photography | |
| 1 Hour | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 1 Hour | Practical Exercises: 2-D Impression Detection and Photography | Practical Exercises: 3-D Impression Detection and Photography | Collection of Tire Track Standards |
| 1 Hour | Collection methods for 3-D Impressions: Casting with Stone and Sulfur Products | Practical Exercises: Tire Track Standard Collection Using Poweder and Ink Methods on Chart Board | |
| 1 Hour | Collection methods for 2-D Impressions: EDL, Gel Lifts, and Adhesive Lifts | Practical Exercises: Casting in Dirt and Sand / Underwater Casting / Dry Casting in Snow | |
| 1 Hour | Practical exercises: 2-D Impression Collection and Packaging | Course Summary / Closing Remarks |
Must Bring to Class
Students should wear appropriate business casual clothing for both indoor and outdoor practical exercises. Clothing can be soiled or ruined during the practical exercises due to chemicals and/or working outside.
Students are asked to bring the following:
- Digital camera (digital SLR preferred) and instruction manual
- Lens
- Batteries for the camera and flash
- Digital media
- Off-camera flash and instruction manual
- Remote flash cord
- Tripod
- Flashlight
These items are not required to attend class but are strongly recommended to enhance the learning experience.
Recommended Reading
Bodziak, William J. Footwear Impression Evidence: Detection, Recovery, and Examination; 2nd ed. 2000, CRC Press LLC, Boca Raton, Florida.
Hilderbrand, Dwane S. Footwear, the Missed Evidence: A Field Guide to the Collection and Preservation of Forensic Footwear Impression Evidence; 1999, Staggs Publishing, Temecula, California.
Training Certification and Recertification Credits
Detection, Documentation and Recovery of Footwear & Tire Track Evidence may qualify for specific continuing education training credits. Use's summary below as a quick reference for organization and discipline specific applicability. The approving organization has final authority and their website should be referenced before submitting any request for training credits.
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Crime Scene Certification Board Approved for 24 Certification Credits
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Crime Scene Certification Board Approved for 24 Re-Certification Credits