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General Treatment of Footwear Impressions at the Scene

المؤلف:  Max M. Houck، Jay A. Siegel

المصدر:  Fundamentals of Forensic Science

الجزء والصفحة:  582

2026-09-06

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General Treatment of Footwear Impressions at the Scene

Once footwear impressions have been detected at a crime scene, routine procedures are employed for processing. The most important consideration is to avoid altering an impression until examination-quality photographs have been taken. As with any crime scene, the first investigative activity is to make a complete visual record. Increasingly, digital still and video photography are replacing classical film and tape methods. No matter what method is used, photography will provide a permanent record of the position of all footwear impressions and their general conditions. As with all crime scenes, those containing impressions must be immortalized with careful, complete notes and sketches that further document exact locations and circumstances. These will also help associate photos, casts, and sketches with each other. For impression evidence of any type, it is important to take photographs that can be used for examination of the smallest characteristics. These must be close-up photos that have sufficient resolution and lighting to be used on their own for comparison, even if casts will also be made. The next step is to make a decision about how to best preserve and/or enhance the impression. This will depend upon where the impression is, how easy it is to remove the recipient object and the impression from the scene, and whether the impression is two or three dimensional. If at all possible, the impression and the object on which it is found should be physically removed and transported to the laboratory where there are usually better facilities for additional photographic or other treatments. Even if carpeting or flooring has to be cut, it should be removed. If removal is not practical or possible, then a cast should be made if the impression is three dimensional or it should be lifted if two dimensional. If lifting isn’t possible, then the impression should be enhanced to the maximum degree possible and more examination photo graphs taken.