If necessary, press the adhesive against the shoe sole to obtain a complete recording of the outsole. Make an impression, while wearing the shoe, by stepping onto the adhesive film. Lay adhesive side up on the surface where the impression will be made. Remove protective cover from adhesive sheet. Allow the impression and film to dry.Ħ.1.2 Clear adhesive and fingerprint powder Make an impression, while wearing the shoe, by stepping onto the roller film. Moisten one side of a sheet of roller transport film of sufficient size. Remove any excess powder by gently tapping the shoe. Prior to wearing the shoe in any of the methods, consider contamination issues.Ħ.1.1 Roller transport film and fingerprint powderĪpply a heavy coat of fingerprint powder to the outsole of the footwear. Initial test impressions should be made of the entire shoe.Įxcess dirt should be removed from the shoe with care so as not to damage the outsole before test impressions are made. Prior to making test impressions, the examiner should recognize and preserve other relevant physical evidence, document, and photograph the original condition of shoe outsoles and tires, when appropriate.įootwear test impressions should record fine detail with good contrast and be suitable for use in the comparison process. Note: The inability to produce test impressions using the exact conditions under which the crime scene impressions were made does not necessarily interfere with the ability to compare the shoe or tire with those impressions. Limitations, when known, should be noted and recorded.Ĥ.2 Limitations can be due to substrate features, the method of collection, and the inability to accurately reproduce conditions under which the questioned impression was made. Refer to the Standard for Terminology Used for Forensic Footwear and Tire Impression Evidence for a definition of terms used in this document.ģ.1 The procedures outlined here are grounded in the generally accepted body of knowledge and experience for preparing footwear and tire test impressions.ģ.2 Test impressions are used in conjunction with the known shoe or tire for comparison with the questioned impression.Ĥ.1 Footwear and tire evidence may have inherent limitations that can interfere with the procedures in this Guide. Completion of a training program and experience in these skills are essential to understanding and applying the principles outlined in this Guide. 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.ġ.5 This Guide is not intended as a substitute for training in the preparation of footwear and tire track test impressions. Guide for the Preparation of Test Impressions from Footwear and Tiresġ.1 This Guide provides procedures for the preparation of test impressions from footwear and tires.ġ.2 The particular procedures and methods employed in a given case will depend on the examination needs.ġ.3 This Guide may not cover all aspects of unusual or uncommon conditions.ġ.4 This Guide does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use.

Impression evidence worksheet