Running Head: IMPRESSIONS LAST 1

Impressions Last

CRJ 311 Forensics

March 18, 2019

Impressions Last

Introduction
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Impression evidence may between two objects that come in contact. Tire tracks,

footprints, and footwear prints are examples of impression that can be analyzed to be used as

crime evidence. Analysis of each can made by looking at associated patterns and relevant

information that can help identify a probable suspect. Likewise, how these forensic evidence are

kept in court impacts its admissibility in court.

Impression Evidences

The impression evidence provided in this assignment included a tire track and a footwear

print. The photos showed tools used for investigation at the site. The marks were measured using

rulers for footwear print, and a ruler and a measuring tape for tire track. Tire tracks seemed to be

on the soil, while footwear print (probably shoeprint) was marked on sand. Other objects seen

were leaves and dirt, particularly on the tire track. Another distinguishable mark seen was the

discontinued track of tire at a certain end, which could be hardly noticed when not viewed

closely. Meanwhile, the footwear print found was just single and noticeable also was the

darkened parts of the impression which could be from any fluid and might be useful in the

investigation. The footwear print seemed deep or came from someone who has exerted weight on

the particular foot.

Collecting impression evidence is crucial to its admissibility in court. Hence, standard

procedure must be followed when attempting to collect and preserve these types of evidence.

One-to-one photographs must be taken using tripod, ruler, and a level. Flash must be held at

about 45-degree angles from surface that contained the impressions. All other objects seen with

the impressions must be kept in a standard, sterile container for laboratory examination. Objects

with fluid stains must be packed in a paper envelope. Storing them separately is important to
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avoid contamination. Casts could be made on the impressions using dental stone and, when

hardened, could be packed on a paper (Schiro, n.d.).

Analysis of the footwear impression evidence could begin with measuring the size of the

footwear mark and taking note of its characteristics. Footwear mark size and its orientation could

be linked an individual’s gender, height, and walking patterns (Marshall University Forensic

Science, 2003). Signs of tearing and wearing must be documented for they could be used to

identify the owner of the footwear. Distinguishing shape of its sole and brand marks must also be

documented as they could be unique to a manufacturer, which could also be associated to an

individual involved in the crime. Traces of fluid marks found along the footwear impression

could be tested of its DNA and associate it to the victim or to the suspects. Similarly, tire track

could be analyzed using the physical objects found on the track and the discontinuity pattern

observed at one end. The presence of leaves on the track and some distinguishable dirt could also

be examined as they could be associated to the object or its implement (Kobus, 2012).Likewise,

the characteristics of a track may also show worn and torn features that could help determine the

age of the tire and distinguishing patterns could be unique to a certain type of vehicle.

The sample photos of impression evidence showed individual and class characteristic

patterns. Individual characteristic patters are those that can be associated with an individual,

while class characteristics could be associated to a group (Kobus, 2012). It is therefore important

to find possible commonality of the patterns seen on the impressions to classify if impression

evidence contain an individualized pattern.

Individual characteristic patterns on these sample impression evidence could be seen

upon seeing closely at each photograph. The footwear print showed stains of body fluid, which

could be analyzed and associate to a specific individual. It also seemed to contain cuts and wears
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that could be associated to an individual. The deep impression also could indicate heavy objects

being carried, which could be associated to an individual’s activity. On the other hand, the tire

track showed fallen leaves and some dirt that could associate to an individual’s activity. Cuts and

wears on tire could relate to an individual who owns the identified vehicle or who drove it at the

time of crime.

Summary

In sum, impression evidence is just one of the many types of forensic evidence involved

in crime investigation. A forensic scientist must know the standards on collection,

documentation, and identification of patterns observed on each impression evidence to make

admissible in court. Patterns are relevant in analysis of forensic evidence. They can be used to

associate anything found in an impression evidence either to an individual or to a group, which

could help in crime resolution.

References

Kobus, H. (2012). Marks Evidence and Pattern Recognition in Forensic Science – from
Fingerprints to Ballistics. Retrieved from
http://www.publicdefenders.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/agdbasev7wr/pdo/documents/pdf/markse
vidence.pdf
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Marshall University Forensic Science. (2003). Footprints can play an important role in solving
crimes. Retrieved from http://www.science.marshall.edu/murraye/Footprint%20Lab.html
Schiro, G. (n.d.). Collection and Preservation of Evidence. Crime Scene Investigator Network.
Retrieved from http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/evidenc3.html