Shoe and Tire Impressions in Forensic Analysis

Impression Evidence

Gives clues about the crime scene, person(s) at the scene, and events that occurred at the scene.

Class Evidence

Evidence such as foot, shoe, and dental impressions is usually considered class evidence.

Latent Impressions

Impressions that are not visible to the naked eye and require enhancement to be seen.

Patent Impressions

Visible impressions left on a surface, such as a shoe print in mud.

Plastic Impressions

Three-dimensional impressions left in a soft material, such as snow or sand.

Foot and Shoe Impression Evidence

Can indicate entrance and exit routes, number of people at the scene, evidence of confrontation, and injuries.

Tire Impressions

Used to help identify tire(s) or a vehicle's wheelbase, track width, and/or turning diameter.

Skid Marks

Produced when wheels lock during braking, indicating a sudden stop.

Yaw Marks

Skidding sideways marks left by a vehicle during a turn.

Tire Scrubs

Marks left immediately after impact, indicating a loss of traction.

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Foot Length and Shoe Size

An adult's height is generally related to his or her foot size.

Tire Evidence

Can link a suspect or victim to a crime scene and provide information about speed of travel and fault of a collision.

Tread Characteristics

Patterns and their measurements relate to the type of tire and possibly the make and model of the car.

Recording Tread Impressions

Involves counting ribs and grooves, noting unique tread characteristics, and using ink for 'known' tires.

Accident Reconstruction

Involves determining what happened, when, where, why, who was involved, and who was at fault.

Abscesses

Localized collections of pus in the body, often due to infection.

Linear Enamel Hypoplasias

Defects in enamel formation that can indicate periods of stress or malnutrition.