OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE1 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Introduction

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) facilitated the development of this Footwear and Tire Examination Process Map through a

collaboration between the NIST Forensic Science Research Program and the NIST administered Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic

Sciences (specifically OSAC?s Footwear and Tire Subcommittee).

This Footwear and Tire Examination Process Map (Current Practice) captures details about the various procedures, methods and decision points most frequently

encountered in the discipline of footwear and tire examination from a national perspective and is intended to reflect current practices. The discipline requires

examiners to make many decisions that can impact the quality and accuracy of results. The Footwear and Tire Examination Process Map can benefit the

discipline by providing a behind-the-scenes perspective into the various components and decision points in the examination process.

Process mapping is the visual representation of the critical steps and decision points of a process. Components of the process are deconstructed, placed into

specific shapes within a flowchart and connected by one-way arrows to indicate directionality regarding decisions as well as progression throughout the overall

process. The shape of each box assists the reader by representing a specific type of activity.

This process map captures the diverse practices of multiple laboratories, with the goal of allowing a footwear and tire examiner to find their process represented

in the map. To ensure this, the mapping team avoided creating a map of what should be done (i.e. best practices) and instead attempted to represent all

reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. For this reason, it is important to state that the OSAC Footwear and Tire

Subcommittee does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

This map is not intended to be a step-by-step instruction manual outlining minutia, nor is it intended to be so broad that it lacks utility. Rather, judgments were

made by the process mapping group as to which steps should be combined and which steps should be divided further. Certain processes represented in the map

have a required sequence while other components may vary by examiner or agency. Processes and decisions may also be dictated by agency policy or law.

Process Map Applications:

The Footwear and Tire Examination Process Map is intended to be used to help improve efficiencies while reducing errors, highlight gaps where further research

or standardization would be beneficial, and assist with training new examiners. It may also be used to develop specific laboratory policies and identify best

practices.

Scope of the Footwear and Tire Examination Process Map:

The scope of Footwear and Tire Examination Process Map is limited to core processes within the discipline of footwear and tire examination such as the

examination of questioned footwear and tire impressions and the comparison of these impressions to known footwear or tires. Several topics are omitted from this

map including crime scene collection and intercomparison of questioned impressions. These topics may subsequently be addressed by the process mapping

team, an individual laboratory or a standardization committee.
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE2 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

7000 - Reference Search

1000 - AdministrativeAssessment 2000 - Technical Assessment

3000 - 5000 Questioned Impression Processingand Analysis

8000 - Comparison/Evaluation 9000 - Verification and Reporting

6000 - Known Footwear/Tire Analysis

Intake Criteria

Assessment

Evidence

examination request

Examiner

Evidence

Intake

Underlined Word

Word that will be defined

in the glossary

TechnologyAssist

Technology that aidsin the steps on this page

Input Box Outlines the inputsat

the beginning of each section

Output Box Describesan

output of the

steps on the

page

Discontinuation

of Assessment

or Examination

Report

Feature

Comparison

Render

Conclusion

Weighing of

Similaritiesand

Dissimilarities

Verification

Technical/

Administrative Review

Suitability

Determination

of Knowns

Object: Wet

Origin/

Non-Porous

Substrate/

Non-Blood

Known Image

Assessment

Determination

of Suitability

for reference

search

Case

Assessment

Item

Characterization

Object: Dry

Origin/Porous

Substrate

Database/

Resource

Search

Review of

Results

ESDL/Stat Lifts

Questioned

Image

Assessment

Casts Gel Lifts

Legend

Processstart/end

Process

Decision

Subprocess

Document

Inventory Case Intake/

Acceptance Case Suitabiity

Potential

Make/Model

Determination

Feature

Assessment

Object: Dry

Origin/

Non-Porous

Substrate

Object: Wet

Origin/

Non-Porous

Substrate/

Blood

Object: Wet

Origin/Porous

Substrate/

Non-Blood

Object: Wet

Origin/Porous

Substrate/Blood

Known Item

Assessment

Feature

Assessment

Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

Other - not included in thismap*

Intercomparison

of Questioned

Impressions

Crime Scene Collection
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE3 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

1000 - Administrative Assessment

1002

Receive Request

for Examination

1008

Doesthesubmission meet intake

criteria?

1012

Discontinue

evidence

receiving,

document, and

proceedPAP

1010

Can the issue be

addressed immediately

e.g. contact

submitter?

1020

Output:

- Evidence item(s) for examination that meet agency/laboratory caseacceptance

criteria(e.g. are appropriately packaged, CoCisknown, resources such as

appropriate equipment and databases

are in place to evaluate the item).

- Determination that the laboratory will

proceed with evaluation/examination of

case.

1004

Will the submission

be evaluated against

intake criteria?

1006

Case Intake CriteriaPer Agency Policy (PAP)

- Isapproval required?

- Wasapproval received?

- Isthe requested service available?

- Isthe Chain of Custody (CoC) intact?

- Isthe number of itemsreceived within the limits?

- Isthe analysistimeframe appropriate?

- Are the transmittal formsenclosed and filled out

properly?

- Isthe crime type suitable for acceptance?

- Isthe request issued from an authorized entity?

- Hasthe case been examined/reviewed by another

lab/agency?

- Issufficient case related information provided (e.g.

police report)?

- Isthe request appropriate for the evidence enclosed?

- Are resourcesand expertise available?

- Are the itemsproperly packaged?Isthe evidence

properly sealed?(e.g. packaged separately asneeded

or in right type of packaging)

- Isthere a sufficient description of submission

packaging?

1018

Case Intake (PAP)

- Creation of case in Laboratory

Information Management System (LIMS)

- Evidence held in evidence room until

examiner/unit isready to receive

- Inform units that the casehasbeen

accepted.

- If court date(s): Inform examiner of court

date(s) and add examiner to calendar;

discusspossible need for trial

continuance; evaluatewhether there are

potential mandates that dictate case

completion timeframe.

- Communicate wth submitter regarding

any other timeframe(s) includingcase

related deadlines.

1022

Create appropriate

caseassignment(s)

based on

authorizations

and/or

qualificationsPAP

1024

Werethere multiple

assignments for varying

disciplines?

1028

Transfer Case to

Assigned

Examiner

GOTO

2000 -

Technical

Assessment

1026

Process case

PAP

1014

Are there any issues

that need to be

documented?

1016

Document and

describe issue(s) as

needed

PAP

No

Yes

No

No

Yes Yes Yes

Yes

No

No

1030

Output: Case assigned to

examiner

Technology Assist

- LIMS

Return to Overview
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE4 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 2000 - Technical Assesment (1 of 2)

Technology Assist

- LIMS

2014

Document Evidence asReceived:

-List anddescribe evidence asreceived

includingpackagingdescription (e.g. materials, whether sealsare intact)

-Document chainof custodyinformation

includingitem numbers

-Take descriptorimagesasneededPAP

Inventory Items: May include known shoes/tires,

images, casts, gel lifts, electrostatic

lifts, stat lifts, or other typesof items

from scene (large or small: clothing,

flooring, etc.)

2026

Reach out to

submitter or evidence

unit for

resolution?

2006

Isthe request for

footwear and/or tire

examination?

2008

Discontinue evidence

receivingand

proceed PAP

2002

Input: Evidence itemsfor examination that meet

agency/laboratory submission intake criteria;

qualified examiner assigned to case

2004

Read laboratory exam

request; Review LIMSdata,

including any prior

examination or pre-emptive

communications

2010

Screen request to determine if

all required information

(includingchain of custody

(CoC)) ispresent and that the

requested analysisis

appropriate

2032

Continue?

2038

Update and review

LIMS/documentation

2030

Can issue be

fixed/resolved?

2022

Are there any

discrepanciesor

issues

found?

2024

Document PAP:

- Describe and document any

differencesinvolvingCoC- or other

discrepancy

- Include note or MFR(memorandum

for record) to agent/investigator

2034

Document PAP

2036

Discontinue

evidence

receivingand

proceed PAP

2012

Open package (outer

container) and inventory all

items received

2028

Communicate with

submitter or

evidence unit

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes Yes

No

No

No

Yes

GOTO

2050 - Technical

Assessment (2

of 2)

2042

Perform pre-analysis

tasks(take images,

download filesto

computer etc.)

2044

Document via notes, images, or

annotationsonitemPAP:

- Itemnumber(s)

- LIMSdesignation(s)

- Add stickerlabels(indicating

subdesignations)

- Document manufacturer'slabels

andsidewall informationfor

Knownfootwear/tire

2040

Open individual items

and perform cursory

visual examination of

the physical and/or

digital evidence

2046

Outputs:

- Inventoried evidence items;

- Knowledge of whether work

hasbeen done by another unit

or lab;

- Review of communications:

knowledge of what the specific

request isfor;

- Discrepancieshave been

checked and/or resolved

2016

Isa known needed

to proceed

(PAP)?

2018

Is the known

included in the

inventoried

items?

Yes Yes

2020

Hold and

preserve case

while awaiting

item(s) and

proceed PAP

No No

FROM

1030
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE5 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 2000 - Technical Assessment (2 of 2)

FROM 2046

2050

Input: Inventoried evidence items;

knowledge of request(s) made

2052

Develop Mental Plan for Evidence Processing: Develop approach for evidence analysis

-How to document itemsthrough imaging

-Determine whether additional chemical or physical

processing or cleaning isneeded

- Determined if lifting isrequired based on items

- Consider all itemsreceived: Cast, gel lift,

electrostatic dust lift, stat lift, whether itemsare

clothing, paper, tile, etc.

2058

Is there any

particular order for

processing items PAP?

2060

Go to

appropriate item

PAP

2054

Contact submitter or

evidenceunit to check if

there isadditional

evidence?

2056

Contact submitter

or evidence unit

asneeded

Yes

No

2064

Cast

GOTO

3000 - Casts

2066

Gel Lift

2068

ElectrostaticDust

Lift/Stat Lift

GOTO

3200 - Gel

Lifts

GOTO

3300 -

ESDL/Stat

Lifts

2070

Images of

Questioned

Impression(s)

GOTO

3400 - Questioned

Impression

Image

Assessment

2074

KnownShoe/Tire/

Imagesof Known

GOTO

6000 -

Known

Assessment

2062 - Item Characterization

GOTO

3500 - Objects

2072

Object

No

Yes

Technology Assist

- LIMS

2076

Known Test impression

GOTO

6200 -

ImagingTest

Impression
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE6 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 3000 - Casts(1 of 3)

3002

Input: Cast of

questioned footwear

or tire impression

3012

Does the cast

need additional

drying

time?

3004

Document anddescribe in

casenotesPAP:

- What material the cast is made with

- Number of piecesthe

cast arrived in

- General condition upon

arrival

3010

Do I recognize

the casting material?

3024

Doesthe casting material meet validation

and reliability

standardsPAP?

3032

Note limitation

of material (e.g.

unfamiliarity or

quality issues)

3028

Perform validation

study on material?

3030

Conduct

validation on material

3014

Allow for

additional drying

time or place

under drying

lamp

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

CastingConsiderations: Descriptive Information

Size

-Isthe size appropriate?

Orientation Marks

-Description in COC

-Orientation markson cast

Scene Documentation Marks

-Can cast and photosof same impression be

related to one another?

-Impression number on cast from scene

documentation?

-Iscast related through documentation to

other itemsof evidence that have been

submitted?

-Are the corresponding casts, lifts, photos,

impressionslabeled assuch?

Quality

Quality of pour:

-Foldsin cast present?

-Featuresin cast that appear to be interferencesfrom

the technique or substrate present?

-Technique and texture

- How it waspoured?

- Wasa spray coatingused?

- Isdebrisstuck in casting material?

Materials

-Hasthe material been validated?(i.e. Hasthe material

been tested to assertain whether the casting material

reliably capturessize adn featuresaccurately with no

shrinking after dryingetc.)

-Density: Too thick/thin?

CastingConsiderations: Quality and Materials(potential limitations)

FROM 2064

3016

Conduct

research?

3018

Contact submitter, other

examiners, or manufacturer,

or conduct internet

search

Yes

No

GOTO3040 - Casts (2 of 2)

No

3006

Take imagesfor

initial documentation

(including

condition)?

3008

Take imagesPAP

No

3020

Is there information

available about the material?

Technology Assist

3026

Conduct

additional

research?

No

Return to

3018

Yes
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE7 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 3000 - Casts(2 of 3)

3068

Doesthe cast need to

be

reassembled?

3040

Do I need to clean the

cast?

3048

Clean viadry

brushing, saving

trace evidence

3046

Save trace evidence?

3042

Consult with

submitter re:

collection of trace

evidence?

3050

Wash cast or clean via

dry brush without

saving debris

3044

Communicate with

submitter

3052

Send evidence

collected to

appropriate

unit

Yes Yes

No

3072

continue?

3082

Reassemble (usingglue,

clay, or another

substrate to assemble

and hold together)

3070

Isthere a high degree

of confidence there are

piecesthat can be assembled in

their original orientation?(e.g. pieces

have enough detail to

continue?Issufficient

size and detail

present?)

3074

Are there

additional evidence

itemsto

process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

3076

STOP/Discontinue

and proceed PAP

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

No No

FROM

3012/3014

3054

Wash cast?

3056

Wash cast

3060

Doesthere appear

to be detail

present?

Yes

Yes

Yes

3062

Continue? Yes

3064

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

3066

STOP/Discontinue

and proceed PAP

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

3078

Conduct own

reassembly?

Yes

3080

Send to appropriate

section

No No

Yes

3058

Conduct visual examination of cast to

locate impression(s) and review any written notes on casts (e.g. utilize

techniques involvingwhite/visible

light such asside/oblique lighting)

3083

General Description

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; andif thearea is

fromtheheel, arch, or ball(if footwear andit can be

determined)

- Appearanceof wear, damage, and/orinclusionsin

impression

- Anyadditional impressionson item

- Observedlimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesignfeatures/pattern(s)

- Note substrateand matrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesandassociatedevidence

(e.g. shirt and/or photosof shirt withimpression)

GOTO3084

Casts (3 of 3)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE8 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 3000 - Casts(3 of 3)

3084

Take my own

images?

3086

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

sourcePAP

No

3090

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture the available

detail in the impression. (See

ImagingConsiderations(Taking

Images))

3088

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

3098

Continue with

additional

imaging?

3094

Retain images?

3096

Retain and file

imagesPAP

3100

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

3102

STOP/

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

3104

Output:

- Image(s) that contain sufficient

detail for digital processing;

- Clean cast,

- Piecesof/partial cast, or

reassembled cast

- Knowledgeof any potential

limitationsof castingmaterial.

Yes

No

Yes

FROM 3083

3092

Capture images with selected

settings

GOTO8000

- Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

Yes

No

3106

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Perspective

Scale (make sure this ispresent)

AppropriateScale Type (e.g. LScale v others)

Focus

Resolution CameraSettings

Filter(s) Used (if any)

Lighting

-Usea stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use aCopy Stand or Tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

IdentifiersPresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specificlabelsPAP)

No Distortion

Identify and Account for Presence of multiple Impressions Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to photos (e.g.

Barriersor Highlighters: Wax, Spray)

Depth of Field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camerato impression)

Contrast

NoiseReduction Cameraposition (e.g. Is plane parallel to substrate?)

Imaging Considerations(TakingImages)

RETURN TO

3334

No

Perspective

Scale (make sure this ispresent)

Appropriatescale type (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus

Resolution Camerasettings

Filter(s) Used (if any)

Lighting

-Usea stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use acopy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

IdentifiersPresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specificlabelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to images (e.g.

Barriersor highlighters: wax, spray)

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camerato impression)

Contrast

Noisereduction Cameraposition (e.g. Is plane parallel to substrate?)

Imaging Considerations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE9 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 3200 - Gel Lifts

3202

Input: Gel lift of

impression(s), possible crime

scene images

3216

Try additional

lighting?

3204

Conduct visual examination of gel lift

to locate impressionsand review any

written noteson lift (e.g. utilize

techniquesinvolvingwhite/visible

light such asside/oblique lighting or

alternate light source (ALS) such as

415nm if suspected blood impression)

3212

Are there

impression(s)

visible?

3208

Examine cover?

3210

Remove and examine cover

for possible impression

3218

Determine new

lightingtechnique

3214

Update test plan if needed

(e.g. include cover

examination in test plan if

impression isvisible on

cover)

3220

Are there additional

evidence items

to process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

3222

STOP/

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

3206

Document possible

limitationsand note

condition (See Gel Lift

Assessment)

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

3230

GeneralDescription

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality(e.g. measure locationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthand width; andif thearea

isfromtheheel, arch, or ball (if footwear andit can

be determined)

- Appearanceof wear, damage, and/orinclusionsin

impression

- Anyadditional impressionsonitem

- ObservedLimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesign

features/pattern(s)

- Note substrateandmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesand associated

evidence (e.g. shirt and/or photosof shirt with

impression)

3226

Examine crime scene

image(s) for detail, clarity,

etc. ascompared to the lift(s)

3224

Are there corresponding

crime scene image(s) of the

source of the

lift?

3228

Continuewith both

crime scene image(s)

and lift(s)?

3232

Update test plan (e.g.

include crime scene

imagesin test plan)

3234

Examine crimescene

image(s) now?

GOTO

3400 - Questioned

Impression

Image

Assessment

No No

Yes Yes

No

Yes

3262

Output:

- Images/digital scans/capturesof

impression(s) with sufficient

detail for further examination;

- Possible crime scene images;

- Possible gel lift cover with visible

impression;

- Gel lift(s).

3240

Determine appropriate imaging settings

to capture available detail in the

impression. (See Imaging

Considerations- TakingImages)

3244

Doesthe image

capture the

available

detail?

3252

Continue with

additional

imaging?

3254

Ask for

assistance?

3248

Retain images?

3250

Retain and file

imagesPAP

3256

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

3258

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

3260

STOP/

Discontinue and

proceed PAP

3242

Capture image(s) with

selected settings

3236

Are multiple

impressions

visible?

3238

Note additional

impressionsPAP

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Has the cover been placed on the impression?

Dry origin v wet origin?

Color of gel lift? Black v white v clear gel lifts

Does it look like a lifted processed impression?

- Ex. Enhanced blood impression, fingerprint powder

Is there evidence the lift has been damaged?

- Ex. Left in hot car as example, signs of strain that effect size of

impression

Is there excessive debris? ? evaluate the level of debris present

Are there identfiers that link it to other images or evidence?

Are there multiple impressions on the same lift?

- Ex. Someone stepped in the same place twice

Is the size of the gel lift suitable for the impression?

Is the quality of the gel lift suitable?

Has the gel lift been left on the substrate for a suitable length of

time?

- Ex. Dust v blood

Is information present indicating technique used?

- Ex. Roller

Is there evidence or notes as to what other lifts/processing occurred

beforehand?

Are multiple lift attempts indicated/labelled in some way?

- Ex. ESDL lift first then gel, or multiple lifts (may be labeled lift 1, lift

2, etc.). Sometimes multiple lifts can help reduce debris.

Is there evidence of improper packaging or handling?

- Ex. Interference from packaging (cardboard box fibers ex), if it

arrives folded in half.

Gel Lift Assessment

RETURN TO

3244

GOTO8000

- Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

3264

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Yes

No

Technology Assist

- Gel Lift scanner (trademark)

FROM

2066

RETURN TO

3240

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate scale type (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus

Resolution Camera settings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Use astabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a copy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specific labelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presenceof multiple impressions Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camerato impression)

Contrast

Noise reduction

Camera position (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE10 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 3300 - ESDL/Stat Lifts

3302

Input: ESDL/Stat lift of

impression(s); possible

crime scene images

3310

Try additional

lighting?

3304

Conduct visual examination of

lift to locate impressions(e.g.

utilize techniquesinvolving white/visible light such as

side/oblique lighting or

alternate light source (ALS))

3308

Are there

impression(s)

visible?

3312

Determine new

lighting technique

3314

Are there

additional

evidence items

to process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

3316

STOP/

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

3306

Document possible

limitationsand note

condition (SeeESDL/Stat

Lift Assessment)

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

3324

General Description

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality(e.g. measurelocationon item)

- Whetherfullor partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; and if the area is

fromthe heel, arch, or ball(if footwear and it canbe

determined)

- Appearanceof wear, damage, and/orinclusionsin

impression

- Anyadditional impressionsonitem

- ObservedLimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- Generaldescription of available design

features/pattern(s)

- Notesubstrate andmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesandassociated

evidence (e.g. shirt and/or photosof shirt with

impression)

3320

Examine crime scene

image(s) for detail, clarity,

etc as compared to the lift(s)

3318

Are there corresponding

crime scene image(s) of the

source of the

lift?

3322

Continuewith both

crime scene image(s)

and lift(s)?

3326

Update test plan (e.g.

include crime scene

imagesin test plan)

3328

Examine crime scene

image(s) now?

GOTO

3400 - Questioned

Impression

Image

Assessment

No No

Yes Yes

No

Yes

3354

Output:

- Image(s) of impression(s) with sufficient detail for

further examination;

- Possible crime scene

images;

- ESDL/Stat lift(s)

3334

Determine appropriate imaging

settings to capture available detail in

the impression. (See Imaging

Considerations- TakingImages)

3338

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

3344

Continuewith

additional

imaging?

3346

Ask for assistance?

3340

Retain images?

3342

Retain and file images PAP

3348

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

3352

STOP/

Discontinue and

proceed PAP

3336

Capture imageswith

selected settings

3332

Note additional

impressions PAP

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Does it look like it was lifted from a processed impression?

(e.g. fingerprint powder)

Is there evidence the lift has been damaged?

Is there excessive debris? ? evaluate the level of debris

present

Are there identfiers that link it to other photos or evidence?

Are there multiple impressions on the same lift?

- Ex. Someone stepped in the same place twice

Is the size of the lift suitable for the impression?

Is the quality of the lift suitable?

Has the lift been left on the substrate for a suitable time?

Is there evidence or notes as to what other lifts/processing

occurred before hand?

Are multiple lift attempts indicated/labelled in some way?

- Ex. Previous lifts (may be labeled lift 1, lift 2, etc.).

Sometimes multiple lifts can help reduce debris.

Is there evidence of improper packaging or handling?

Is there evidence the lifting film has been reused?

Electrostatic Dust Lift (ESDL)/Stat Lift

Assessment

FROM

2068

RETURN TO

3338

GOTO8000

- Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

3356

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Yes

Technology Assist

3350

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

3330

Are multiple

impressions

visible?

No

RETURN TO

Yes 3334

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate scale type (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus

Resolution Camera settings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Use a stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a copy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specific labelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camera to impression)

Contrast

Noise reduction

Camera position (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE11 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 3400 - Questioned Impression ImageAssessment

3402

Input: Imagesof

Questioned Impressions;

Crime scene images

3424

Output:

- Image(s) of questioned

impression(s) with sufficient

detail for digital processing.

3408

Is detail present?

3418

Multiple

impressions

found?

3420

Label impressionsw

unique identifiers(if

possible PAP)

3414

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

3416

STOP/

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

3406

General Description

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Whetherthere a scalepresent

- Directionality(e.g. measure locationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial imageof impression

- Measurementsof lengthand width;and if the area isfrom

theheel, arch, or ball(if footwear andit can bedetermined)

- Appearanceof wear, damage, and/orinclusionsinimpression

- ObservedLimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesignfeatures/pattern(s)

- Note substrate andmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesand associatedevidence

(e.g. shirt and/or photosof shirt withimpression)

3404

Evaluate imagesof

questioned impression(s) for

quality (See Image

Assessment (Known and

Questioned)

No

Yes Yes

No

Yes

No

FROM

2070/3234/3328

Image Assessment (Known and Questioned)

Perspective

Scale present?

Scale type appropriate?

Need for correction?(e.g. perspective and potential correction in

image processing software)

Focus

Lighting

Are all imagespresent?

Exam grade v midrange v overall Image

Formatting:

- Usable v unusableuUnrecognizable

- JPEGv RAW

Identifiers: present v absent

Distortion

Presence of peripheral impressions Hasthere been any processing prior to imaging?(e.g. barriersor

highlighters: wax, spray)

3410

Archive images?

No

3412

Save imagesto

archive

Yes

3422

Label impression w

unique identifiers

(if possible PAP)

GOTO

8000 - Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

Yes

No

3426

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Technology Assist

- Image processing software
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE12 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 3500 - Objects

3514

Do I have a wet origin

impression?

3516

Isthere any

indication the

impression may

involve

blood?

GOTO

4000 - Dry

Origin/

Non-porous

GOTO

4400 - Wet Origin/

Non-porous/

Non-blood

3504

Isthe impression

on a porous

surface?

GOTO

4200 - Dry

Origin/

Porous

3508

Is there any

indication the

impression may

involve

blood?

GOTO

4600 - Wet

Origin/

Non-porous/

Blood

GOTO

5000 - Wet Origin/

Porous/

Non-blood

GOTO

5200 - Wet Origin/

Porous/Blood

3506

Do I have a wet origin

impression?

3502

Input: Object that may contain an

impression

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

FROM 2072

3510

Isthe impression on a

semi-porous

surface?

No

3512

Treat asporous? Yes

No No

Yes
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE13 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 4000 - Object: Dry Origin/Non-PorousSubstrate (1 of 2)

4002

Input: Dry origin

impression on non-porous

substrate (possibly

semi-porous)

4022

Are there

impression(s)

visible?

4024

Conduct blind

search using alift

technique?

4030

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

4032

General Description

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality(e.g. measure locationon item)

- Whetherfullor partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthand width;and if the area

isfromthe heel, arch, or ball (iffootwear and it can

bedetermined)

- Appearanceof wear, damage, and/orinclusionsin

impression

- Anyadditional impressionsonitem

- ObservedLimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- Generaldescription of available design

features/pattern(s)

- Substrateand matrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesandassociated

evidence (e.g. shirt and/or photosof shirt with

impression)

4004

Conduct visual examination

to locate impressions(e.g.

techniquesinvolving white/visible light such as

side/oblique lighting or

alternate light source (ALS));

document condition as

received.

4008

Is the

impression

faint?

4010

Are there any

3-D qualities to the

impression?

4016

Is backlighting

needed?

4014

Are there

issues with lighting

to consider?

4006

Determine optimal lighting based on

the following:

4018

Is the surface

clear (e.g.

glass)?

4020

Is there any

background

interference to

consider?

4012

Are there issues with color contrast

to consider?

No

No

Yes

Yes

4034

Determine appropriate imaging settings

to capture available detail in the

impression.(See Imaging

Considerations - Taking Images)

4038

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

4044

Continue with

additional

imaging?

4046

Ask for assistance?

4040

Retain images?

4042

Retain and file images PAP

4048

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

4036

Capture imageswith

selected settings

4050

Conduct Lift? Yes

GOTO4060 - Dry Origin/

Non-porous

(2 of 2)

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

FROM 3514

4028

Document

observationsand/or

imagePAP

4026

Conduct

Electrostatic Dust Lift (ESDL)

RETURNTO

4038

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

GOTO4132

- Output - Dry Origin/

Non-porous

(2 of 2)

4052

Continue with any

existing

image(s)?

No

Yes

No

RETURNTO

4034 Yes

GOTO

4050 Yes

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4054

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

GOTO9000

- Verification

and

Reporting

Yes

No

Perspective

Scale (make sure this ispresent)

Appropriate scaletype (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus Resolution

Camerasettings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Usea stabilizer (PAP)? (e.g. Use acopy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specificlabelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions

Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camerato impression)

Contrast

Noisereduction Cameraposition (e.g. Is plane parallel to substrate?)

Imaging Considerations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE14 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 4000 - Object: Dry Origin/Non-PorousSubstrate (2 of 2)

4064

DoesAgency policy dictate which method to use

first?

4090

Utilize lift method

PAP

4062

UtilizeAvailable lift method PAP

GOTO4092

4060

Doesagency utilize multiple

typesof lift methods?

FROM 4050 Yes Yes

No

Type of lift may

occur in successsion

(e.g. least

destructive to most

destructive) also

possible for multiple ESDL

4070

Round/Curved Surface

4074

Metal surface

4082

Textured surface

4076

Perform ESDLusing

alternative technique (e.g. barrier

betweeen ESDLdevice

and item)?

4068

Use knowledge, experience, training, visual examination, surface characteristics, texture, and

agency policy to select lift method(s) (if multiple lift methodswill be used, also to determine

succession plan):

4092

Conduct multiple lifts

now?(e.g. some examiners

choose to conduct multiple lifts

in sequence prior to

proceeding to

imaging)

4094

Conduct singlelift

No

Yes

No

No

4100

Impression(s)

transferred appropriately

to

the lift?

RETURNTO

4068

4102

Attempt another lift/

type of lift?

4096

Conduct multiple lifts

4111

GeneralDescription or Additional InformationObtained

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthand width; andif thearea isfromthe

heel, arch, or ball (iffootwear and it canbe determined)

- Appearanceof wear, damage, and/orinclusionsin impression

- Anyadditional impressionsonitem

- ObservedLimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesignfeatures/pattern(s)

- Substrateand matrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesand associatedevidence (e.g. shirt

and/or photosof shirt withimpression) Otherfeaturesor

informationpreviouslynot visualized

- Number of lifts

4112

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture available

detail in the impression.(See

ImagingConsiderations - Taking

Images*located on 4000 - Objects: Dry Origin/Non-Porous

Substrate (1 of 2)

4104

Retain lift(s) PAP?

4106

Retain lift(s) PAP

4108

Discard lift(s) PAP

4098

Examine for

detail, clarity, etc

ascompared to

the item or

image(s)

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

4116

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

4122

Continue with

additional

imaging?

4124

Ask for

assistance?

4118

Retain images?

4120

Retain and file images PAP

4126

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

4114

Capture imageswith

selected settings

No

Yes

No

4130

STOP/Discontinue

with lift and

proceed PAP

4132

Output:

- Image(s) of evidence

item(s) and lift(s) with

impression(s) containing

sufficient detail for further

examination;

- Evidence item(s);

- Lift(s)

4128

Continue with any existing

image(s) (e.g. of item

and/or

lift(s)?

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

RETURNTO

4112

4110

STOP/Discontinue lift

attemptsand

proceed PAP

RETURN TO

4116

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

4072

Gel Lift/

SiliconeBased

(Pliable) Lift/

Tape Lift/Other

Adhesive

Technique

4078

Electrostatic

Dust Lift (ESDL)

4080

Gel Lift/

Silicone Based

(Pliable) Lift/

Tape Lift/Other

Adhestive

Technique/Stat lift

4088

Electrostatic Dust Lift (ESDL)

or Stat Lift

4084

Silicone Casting

Yes

Yes GOTO

8000 - Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4134

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Yes

No

4086

Other surfacessuch as

on-textured, non-curved,

non-metallic,or fibrous

surface (e.g. carpet,

carboard)

4107

Image retained

lift(s)?

Yes GOTO4112

No
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE15 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 4200 - Object: Dry Origin/PorousSubstrate (1 of 3)

4202

Input: Dry origin

impression on non-porous

substrate (possibly

semi-porous)

4218

Are there

impression(s)

visible?

4220

Conduct blind

search using alift

technique?

4226

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

4208

Isthe impression

faint?

4210

Are there any 3-D

qualitiesto the

impression?

4214

Are there issueswith

lighting

to consider?

4206

Determine optimal lightingbased on

the following:

4216

Isthere any

background interference

to

consider?

4212

Are there issueswith

color contrast to

consider?

4228

General Description

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality(e.g. measure locationon item)

- Whetherfullor partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; and if the area is

fromthe heel, arch, or ball (iffootwear and it canbe

determined)

- Appearanceof wear, damage, and/orinclusionsin

impression

- Anyadditional impressionsonitem

- ObservedLimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- Generaldescription of available design

features/pattern(s)

- Substrateandmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesandassociated

evidence (e.g. shirt and/or photosof shirt with

impression)

Yes

4230

Determine appropriate imaging settings

to capture available detail in the

impression.(See Imaging

Considerations - Taking Images)

4234

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

4240

Continue with

additional

imaging?

4242

Ask for

assistance?

4236

Retain images?

4238

Retain and file images PAP

4244

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

4232

Capture imageswith

selected settings

4246

Conduct lift (or other

impression/indentation

detection method (e.g. ESDA))?

GOTO4260 -

Dry Origin/

Porous (2 of

3)

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

4204

Conduct visual examination

to locate impressions(e.g.

techniquesinvolving

white/visible light such as

side/oblique lightingor

alternate light source (ALS));

document condition as

received.

FROM

3506

4224

Document

observationsand/or

imagePAP

4222

Conduct

Electrostatic Dust Lift (ESDL)

RETURN TO

4234

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

GOTO4394

- Output - Dry

Origin/Porous

(3 of 3)

4248

Continue with any

existing

image(s)?

Yes

No

No

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4250

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

GOTO9000

- Verification

and

Reporting

RETURN TO

4230 Yes

Yes

No

Yes GOTO4246

Perspective

Scale (make sure this ispresent)

Appropriate scaletype (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus Resolution

Camerasettings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Usea stabilizer (PAP)? (e.g. Use acopy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specificlabelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions

Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camerato impression)

Contrast

Noisereduction Cameraposition (e.g. Is plane parallel to substrate?)

Imaging Considerations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE16 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 4200/4300 - Object: Dry Origin/PorousSubstrate (2 of 3)

4264

Doesagency policy dictate which method to use first?

4286

Utilize lift method

PAP

4262

Utilize Available lift method PAP

GOTO

4288

4260

Doesagency utilize multiple typesof lifts(or other

impression/indentation

detection) method(s)?

FROM

4246 Yes Yes

No

Type of lift may

occur in successsion

(e.g. least

destructive to most

destructive) also

possible for multiple ESDL

4270

Round/curved surface

4274

Textured surface

4268

Use knowledge, experience, training, visual examination, surface

characteristics, texture, and agency policy to select lift method(s) (if multiple lift methodswill be used, also to determine succession plan):

4288

Conduct multiple lifts

now? (e.g. some examiners

choose to conduct multiple liftsin

sequence prior to

proceeding to

imaging)

4290

Conduct single lift

No

No

4294

Impression(s)

transferred appropriately

to

the lift?

RETURNTO

4268

4296

Attempt another lift/

type of lift?

4292

Conduct multiple lifts

4304

STOP/Discontinue

lift attemptsand

proceed PAP

4306

General Descriptionor Additional InformationObtained

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial mpression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; andif the areaisfromthe heel, arch, or ball

(if footwear andit canbe determined)

- Appearance of wear, damage, and/or inclusionsinimpression

- Anyadditional impressionson item

- ObservedLimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesignfeatures/pattern(s)

- Substrate andmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesandassociatedevidence (e.g. shirt and/or

photosof shirt withimpression)

- Other featuresorinformationnot previouslyvisualized

4308

Determine appropriate

imaging settingsto capture

available detail in the

impression. (See Imaging

Considerations- Taking

Images *located onObjects: Dry Origin/PorousSubstrate

(1 of 3))

4298

Retain lift(s) PAP?

4300

Retain Lift(s) PAP

4302

Discard Lift(s) PAP

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

4312

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

4318

Continuewith

additional

imaging?

4320

Ask for

assistance?

4314

Retain images?

4316

Retain and file images PAP

4322

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

4310

Capture image(s)

with selected

settings

No

Yes

No

4326

Discontinue with Lift

4324

Continue with

existing image(s)

of the lift?

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

RETURN TO

4308

Yes

Yes

4278

Indented impression on

the evidence

4328

Perform chemical

processing on the

item?

4330

Output:

- Image(s) of item(s) and

lift(s) with impressions

containingsufficient detail

for digital processing;

- Item(s);

- Lift(s)

No

GOTO4350

- Dry

Origin/Porous

(3 of 3)

Yes

FROM

5020/5050

RETURNTO

4312

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

4272

Gel Lift/

Silicone Based

(Pliable) Lift

4280

Electrostatic Detection

Apparatus(ESDA)

4284

Electrostatic Dust

Lift (ESDL)

4276

Silicone Casting

GOTO

8000 - Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4332

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Yes

No

Yes

4282

Other surfacessuch as

non-textured,

non-curved,or fibrous

surface etc. (e.g. carpet,

carboard)

4301

Image retained

lift(s)?

GOTO

4308

No

Yes

Option

GOTO 5052--

If returningto Wet/Porous/

Non-blood (2

of 2)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE17 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 4300 - Object: Dry Origin/PorousSubstrate (3 of 3)

4394

Output:

- Item(s) (that are chemically

processed);

- Imagesof lift(s) and item(s) with impressionscontaining

sufficient detail for further

examination;

- Lift(s)

4350

Use a destructive technique

on evidence item?

4370

Continue with additional

processing?

RETURN TO

4362

4352

Contact submitter

for permission?

Use case scenario, visual examination,

knowledge, experience, training, preference,

characteristicsof substrate and matrix, and

agency policy to:

- Select chemical or physical processing(and

associated applicable lightingscheme) and

- Determine processing sequence (e.g. least

destructive to most destructive):

Consider the following methods:

- Bromophenol Blue

- Potassium Thiocyanate

- Ammonium Thiocyanate

- Other

4364

Utilize selected method PAP

4362

Select Chemical Processing Method(s)

4376

General Descriptionor Additional InformationObtained

- Whetherit isfootwear or tire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial impression

- Appearance of wear, damage, and/or inclusionsin

impression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; andif the areais

fromthe heel, arch, or ball(if footwear andit canbe

determined)

- Anyadditional impressionson item

- Observedlimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesign

features/pattern(s)

- Substrate andmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesandassociated

evidence (e.g. shirt and/or photosof shirt with

impression)

- Other featuresorinformationpreviouslynot visualized

4368

Did the processing

technique improvethe

impression

visualizaton?

4354

Contact submitter

4356

Permission

obtained?

4378

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture available detail in

the impression. (See Imaging

Considerations- Taking Images- Dry

Origin/Porous(1 of 3))

4382

Does the image

capture the available

detail?

4388

Continuewith

additional

imaging?

4390

Ask for

assistance?

4384

Retain images?

4386

Retain and file images PAP

4392

Seek assistance from

imagingunit or other

source PAP

4380

Capture imageswith

selected settings

RETURN TO

4378

FROM 4328 Yes Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes Yes

No No

Yes

No

Yes

RETURN TO

4382

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

GOTO

8000 - Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4396

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Yes

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4374

Are there

additional evidence

itemsto

process?

Yes

No

4358

Continue with any

existing

image(s)?

GOTO4394 Yes

No

4372

Continue with any

existing

image(s)?

GOTO4394

GOTO

9000 -

Verification

and

Reporting

Yes

No

No

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4360

Are there

additional evidence

itemsto

process?

GOTO9000

- Verification

and

Reporting

Yes

No

GOTO4358

No No
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE18 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 4400 - Object: Wet Origin/Non-PorousSubstrate/Non-Blood (1 of 3)

4436

Let dry (if possible),

or use drying tool

4434

Does the

impression need to

be

dried?

4428

Doesthe item need

to be dried?

4432

Use knowledge, experience, training,

visual examination, surface characteristics,

texture, and agency policy to determine

appropriate physical/chemical processing method (if multiple methodswill be used,

also to determine succession plan):

- Fingerprint powder

- Gel lift

- Superglue fuming

- Dyestain

4430

Let surface dry (if

possible) or use

drying tool

4402

Input: Wet origin

non-blood

impression on

non-poroussubstrate

4420

Are there

impression(s)

visible?

4422

Conduct ablind

search usinga

processing method?

4426

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

4408

Isthe impression

faint?

4410

Are there any 3-D

qualitiesto the

impression?

4414

Are there issueswith

lighting to

consider?

4406

Determine optimal lightingbased on

the following:

4412

Are there issueswith

color contrast to

consider?

No

No

4416

Isbacklighting

needed?

4418

Isthe surface clear

(e.g. glass)?

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

4438

General Description

- Whetherit isfootwear or tire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; andif

the area isfromtheheel, arch, or ball (if

footwear and it canbe determined)

- Appearance of wear, damage, and/or

inclusionsin impression

- Anyadditional impressionson item

- Observedlimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesign

features/pattern(s)

- Substrate andmatrix

4440

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture available detail in

the impression. (See Imaging

Considerations- Taking Images)

4444

Does the image

capture the available

detail?

4452

Continuewith

additional

imaging?

4454

Ask for

assistance?

4448

Retain images?

4450

Retain and file images PAP

4456

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

4442

Capture imageswith

selected settings

GOTO4470 - Wet Origin/

Non-porous/

Non-blood (2 of

3)

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

GOTO 4520 - Wet Origin/

Non-porous/

Non-blood (3 of

3)

4446

Conduct aphysical or

chemical processprior

to lifting?

No

Yes

RETURNTO

4440 Yes

Yes

4404

Conduct visual examination

to locate impressions(e.g.

techniquesinvolving white/visible light such as

side/oblique lighting or

alternate light source (ALS));

document condition as

received.

FROM

3516/4644

4424

Document

observationsand/or

imagePAP

RETURNTO

4444

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

- Dryingtool

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate scale type (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus Resolution

Camera settings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Use a stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a copy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specific labelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camera to impression)

Contrast

Noise reduction

Camera position (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE19 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

R 4400/4500 - Object: Wet Origin/Non-PorousSubstrate/Non-Blood (2 of 3) eturn to Overview

Use visual examination, knowledge, experience,

training, preference, characteristicsof substrate

(non-porousv semi-porous) and matrix, and/or

agency policy to:

- Select chemical or physical processing (and

associated applicable lighting scheme) and

- Determine processing sequence (e.g. most

destructive to least destructive):

Consider the following methods:

- Powder (with possible lift)

- Cyanoacrylate/Dye Stain

- Other

4484

Utilize selected method PAP

4488

Would additional

processing help visualize

the

impression?

4482

Select Physical/Chemical ProcessingMethod(s) 4486

Did the processing

technique improve the

impression

visualizaton?

FROM 4446

No

No

4494

GeneralDescription or Additional InformationObtained

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial impressionMeasurementsof length

and width;and if the area isfromtheheel, arch, or ball (if

footwear andit canbe determined)

- Appearance of wear, damage, and/orinclusionsin

impression

- Anyadditional impressionson item

- Observedlimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesignfeatures/pattern(s)

- Substrate andmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesandassociatedevidence

(e.g. shirt and/or photosof shirt withimpression)

- Otherfeaturesorinformationpreviouslynot visualized

Yes

4496

Determine appropriate imaging settings

to capture available detail in the

impression.(See Imaging

Considerations - Taking Images)

4500

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

4506

Continuewith

additional

imaging?

4508

Ask for

assistance?

4502

Retain images?

4504

Retain and file images PAP

4510

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

4498

Capture imageswith

selected settings

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

4512

Would additional

processing help visualize

the

impression?

RETURN TO

4482 Yes

Yes GOTO4496

GOTO4520 - Wet Origin/

Non-Porous/

Non-blood (3 of

3)

No

No

4470

Use a destructive

technique on evidence

item?

4472

Contact

submitter for

permission?

4474

Contact Submitter

4476

Permission

obtained?

Yes

Yes Yes

No No

Yes

No

RETURN TO

4500

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

No

4490

Continue with any

existing

image(s)?

GOTO

4566 - Output -Wet/

Non-porous/

Non-blood (3

of 3)

Yes

No

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4492

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Yes

No

GOTO9000

- Verification

and

Reporting

4478

Continue with any

existing

image(s)?

GOTO4566 - Output - Wet/

Non-porous/

Non-blood (3

of 3)

Yes

No

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4480

Are there

additional evidence

itemsto

process?

GOTO9000

- Verification

and

Reporting

Yes

No

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisis present)

Appropriatescale type (e.g. Lscalev others)

Focus Resolution Camerasettings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Usea stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a copy stand or

tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective

light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and

any agency specificlabelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple

impressions Note if therehasbeen any processing prior to

imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface,

proximity of camerato impression)

Contrast

Noisereduction Cameraposition (e.g. Is plane parallel to

substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations (Taking

Images)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE20 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 4500 - Object: Wet Origin/Non-PorousSubstrate/Non-Blood (3 of 3)

4520

Attempt lift

technique?

FROM 4446/4512

4526

Doesthe Impression

have a 3Dquality?

Yes

No

No

Yes

4534

Impression(s)

transferred appropriately

to the

lift?

4536

Retain lift(s) PAP?

4538

Retain lift(s) PAP

4540

Discard lift(s) PAP

4532

Examine for

detail, clarity, etc

ascompared to

the item or

image(s)

No

Yes

No

4546

GeneralDescriptionor Additional InformationObtained

- Whetherit isfootwearor tire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationon item)

- Whetherfull or partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; and if the area isfrom

the heel, arch, or ball (if footwearand it canbe determined)

- Appearance of wear, damage, and/or inclusionsin

impression

- Anyadditional impressionsonitem

- Observedlimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General description of availabledesignfeatures/pattern(s)

- Substrate andmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesandassociatedevidence

(e.g. shirt and/or photosof shirt withimpression)

- Other featuresorinformation not previouslyvisualized

4548

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture available detail in

the impression. (See Imaging

Considerations - Taking Images)

Yes

4552

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

4554

Retain images?

4556

Retain and file

imagesPAP

4550

Capture imageswith

appropriate settings

4558

Continuewith

additional

imaging?

4560

Ask for

assistance?

4562

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

RETURN TO

4548

No

4564

Discontinue

imaging and move

forward with

images, lift(s) and

evidence item(s)

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

4566

Output:

- Item(s) (that may or may

not be chemically or

physically processed);

- Image(s) of evidence

item(s) and lift(s) with

sufficient detail for further

examination;

- Lift(s)

Yes

RETURNTO

4552

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

GOTO

8000 - Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4568

Are there additional

evidence items to

process?

Yes

No

4542

Continuewith any

existing images?

Yes

No

4528

Lift with

dental stone

4530

Gel lift

GOTO4566

4522

Continue with any

existing images?

Yes

No

GOTO4566

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4524

Are there additional

evidence itemsto

process?

GOTO9000

- Verification

and

Reporting

Yes

No

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4544

Are there additional

evidenceitems to

process?

GOTO9000

- Verification

and

Reporting

Yes

No

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate scale type (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus

Resolution Camera settings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Use a stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a copy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specific labelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camera to impression)

Contrast

Noise reduction

Camera position (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE21 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

RRe

ettuurrnnttooOOvveerrvviieeww 4600 - Wet Origin/Non-PorousSubstrate/Blood (1 of 3)

4622

Isthere any

background

interference to

consider?

4602

Input: Blood Impression

(or suspected blood) on

non-poroussubstrate

4608

Isthe impression

faint?

4610

Are there any 3-D

qualitiesto the

impression?

4616

Isbacklighting

needed?

4614

Are there issues with lighting to

consider?

4618

Isthe surface clear

(e.g. glass)?

4620

Doesthe chemical

processdetemine the

lighting?(e.g. flourescent

lighting, UV

light, etc.)

4624

Are there

impression(s)

visible?

4626

Conduct blind

search using a

chemical

process?

4630

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

4638

Swab for

Presumptive

Test

4636

Perform presumptive

test for blood?

4640

Positive for

blood?

GOTO

4400 - Wet/non-porous

Non-blood

4612

Are there issues with color contrast

to consider?

4642

Re-swab?

4644

Continue

assuming thisis

blood

anyway?

4606

Determine optimal lighting based on the

following:

4646

General Description

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationon

item)

- Whetherfull or partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; andif

the area isfromtheheel, arch, or ball (if

footwear and it canbe determined)

- Appearance of wear, damage, and/or

inclusionsin impression

- Anyadditional impressionson item

- ObservedLimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesign

features/pattern(s)

- Substrate andmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesand

associatedevidence (e.g. shirt and/or

photosof shirt withimpression)

4648

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture available detail in

the impression. (See Imaging

Considerations- Taking Images)

4652

Does the image

capture the available

detail?

4660

Continue with

additional

imaging?

4662

Ask for

assistance?

4656

Retain images?

4658

Retain and file images PAP

4664

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

4650

Capture imageswith

selected settings

GOTO4680 - Wet Origin/

Non-porous/

Blood (2 of 3)

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

GOTO4750 - Wet Origin/

Non-porous/Blood

(3 of 3)

4654

Conduct a physical or

chemical process

No

Yes

RETURN TO

4648 Yes

Yes

Yes Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

GOTO4680 - Wet Origin/

Non-porous/

Blood (2 of 3)

4604

Conduct visual examination

to locate impressions(e.g.

techniquesinvolving

white/visible light such as

side/oblique lighting or

alternate light source (ALS));

document condition as

received.

FROM 3516

4628

Document

observationsand/or

imagePAP

RETURNTO

4652

Technology Assist

- Drying tool

- Alternate light source (ALS)

4632

Doesthe

impression need to

be

dried?

4634

Let dry or use

drying tool

No

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate scale type (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus Resolution Camerasettings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Use astabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use acopy stand or

tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any

agency specificlabelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presenceof multiple

impressions Note if there hasbeen any processingprior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface,

proximity of camerato impression)

Contrast

Noise reduction

Cameraposition (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

Imaging Considerations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE22 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 4600/4700 - Wet Origin/Non-PorousSubstrate/Blood (2 of 3)

Use visual examination, knowledge, training,

experience, preference, characteristicsof substrate

type (non-porousv semi-porous) and color, surface

contaminants, and matrix, and/or agency policy to:

- Select chemical or physical processing technique

(and associated applicable lightingscheme) and;

- Determine processing sequence (e.g. least

destructive to most destructive) or if a fixative is

needed.

Consider the following options:

- Light Surface: Leucocrystal violet (LCV),

Amido black, Leucomalachite green, Hungarian red, Crowle?sDouble Stain,

Coomassie Blue, 3,3'-Diaminobenzadine

(D.A.B.)

- Dark Surface: Titanium dioxide

- Any surface color: Blue Star, Luminol, Acid

Yellow 7 with forensic light source

4690

Utilize selected method PAP

4694

Would additional

processinghelp visualize

the

impression?

4688

Select Physical/Chemical ProcessingMethod(s) 4692

Did the processing

technique improve the

impression

visualizaton?

FROM

4626/4654

No

4696

General Descriptionor Additional InformationObtained

- Whetherit isfootwear or tire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; andif the areaisfromthe heel,

arch, or ball(if footwear andit canbe determined)

- Appearance of wear, damage, and/or inclusionsinimpression

- Anyadditional impressionson item

- Observedlimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesignfeatures/pattern(s)

- Substrate andmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesandassociatedevidence (e.g. shirt

and/or photosof shirt withimpression)

- Other featuresorinformationnot previouslyvisualized

Yes

4698

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture available

detail in the impression. (See

ImagingConsiderations - Taking

Images)

4702

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

4708

Continuewith

additional

imaging?

4710

Ask for

assistance?

4704

Retain images?

4706

Retain and file

imagesPAP

4712

Seekassistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

4700

Capture imageswith

selected settings

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

4716

Would additional

processing help visualize

the impression?

RETURNTO

4688 Yes

RETURNTO

4698 Yes

No

No

Yes

4714

Discontinue with

physical/chemical

processing of

item

4680

Use a

destructive technique

on evidence

item?

4682

Contact submitter

for permission?

4684

Contact

submitter

4686

Permission

obtained?

Yes

Yes

No

RETURNTO

4702

No

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

No

No

No

GOTO4750 - Wet Origin/

Non-porous/Blood

(3 of 3)

GOTO4750 - Wet Origin/

Non-Porous/Blood

(3 of 3)

GOTO4750 - Wet Origin/

Non-Porous/Blood

(3 of 3)

Yes

Perspective

Scale (make sure this ispresent)

Appropriate scaletype (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus Resolution

Camerasettings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Usea stabilizer (PAP)? (e.g. Use acopy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specificlabelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions

Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camerato impression)

Contrast

Noisereduction Cameraposition (e.g. Is plane parallel to substrate?)

Imaging Considerations(TakingImages)

GOTO4750 - Wet Origin/

Non-porous/Blood

(3 of 3)

4711

Conduct any additional

processing?

No

RETURNTO

4688 Yes
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE23 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 4700 - Object: Wet Origin/Non-PorousSubstrate/Blood (3 of 3)

4750

Attempt lift?

FROM

4654/4686/4694/

4714/4716

Yes

No

4758

Impression(s)

transferred

appropriately to

the lift?

4760

Retain lift(s) PAP?

No

4772

GeneralDescription or Additional InformationObtained

- Whether it isfootwearor tire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationon item)

- Whether fullor partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; and if the area isfromthe

heel, arch, or ball(if footwear andit can be determined)

- Appearance of wear, damage, and/orinclusionsinimpression

- Any additional impressionsonitem

- Observedlimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General description of availabledesignfeatures/pattern(s)

- Substrate andmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesandassociatedevidence (e.g.

shirt and/or photosof shirt withimpression) Other featuresor

information previouslynot visualizedOtherfeaturesor

information not previouslyvisualized

4774

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture available detail in

the impression. (See Imaging

Considerations- Taking Images)

Yes

4778

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

4780

Retain images?

4782

Retain and file

imagesPAP

4776

Capture imageswith

appropriate settings

4784

Continuewith

additional

imaging?

4786

Ask for assistance?

4788

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

RETURNTO

4774

4790

Discontinue imaging

and move forward with images, lift(s)

and evidence

item(s)

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

4792

Output:

- Item(s) (that may or may not be

chemically processed)

- Image(s) of evidence item(s) and

lift(s) with impressions

containing sufficient detail for

further examination

- Blood swab(s)

- Presumptive test results

- Lift(s)

Yes

RETURNTO

4778

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

GOTO

8000 - Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4794

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Yes

No

4762

Retain lift(s) PAP

4764

Discard lift(s) PAP

No

Yes

4756

Gel lift

(possibly with

chemical

processing

after the lift)

No

GOTO4792

4752

Continue with any

existing images?

Yes

No

GOTO4792

4768

Continuewith any

existing images?

Yes

No

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4754

Are there additional

evidence itemsto

process?

GOTO9000

- Verification

and

Reporting

Yes

No

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

4770

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

GOTO9000

- Verification

and

Reporting

Yes

No

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate scale type (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus Resolution

Camera settings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Use a stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a copy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specific labelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions

Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camera to impression)

Contrast

Noise reduction Camera position (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE24 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 5000 - Object: Wet Origin/PorousSubstrate/Non-Blood (1 of 2)

5002

Input: Wet origin non-blood

impression on poroussubstrate

(possibly semi-porous)

5008

Isthe impression

faint?

5010

Are there any 3-D

qualitiesto the

impression?

5014

Are there issues with lighting

to consider?

5006

Determine optimal lightingbased on

the following:

5016

Isthere any

background interference

to

consider?

5012

Are there issueswith

color contrast to

consider?

5032

General Description

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthand width; andif thearea is

fromtheheel, arch, or ball (if footwear andit can be

determined)

- Appearanceof wear, damage, and/orinclusionsin

impression

- Anyadditional impressionsonitem

- ObservedLimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesignfeatures/pattern(s)

- Substrateand matrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesand associatedevidence

(e.g. shirt and/or photosof shirt withimpression)

5034

Determine appropriate imaging settings

to capture available detail in the

impression.(See Imaging

Considerations - Taking Images)

5038

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

5044

Continue with

additional

imaging?

5046

Ask for

assistance?

5040

Retain images?

5042

Retain and file images PAP

5048

Seekassistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

5036

Capture imageswith

appropriate settings

Yes

No

Yes Yes

No

Yes

No

5030

Let dry (if possible)

or use drying tool

5028

Do I need to dry the

impression?

5018

Are there

impression(s)

visible?

5022

Conduct blind

search usinga

physical/chemical

process?

5026

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

No No

No

5020

Conduct

blind search usinga

lift technique?

No

GOTO4260

- Dry

Origin/Porous

(2 of 3)

No

Yes Yes

GOTO 5070 - Wet

Origin/Porous/

Non-blood

(2 of 2)

Yes

5050

Attempt lift now?

Yes

GOTO4260

- Dry

Origin/Porous

(2 of 3)

Yes

5052

Use a

physical/chemical

process?

GOTO 5070 - Wet

Origin/Porous/

Non-blood (2

of 2)

No

Yes

No

5004

Conduct visual examination

to locate impressions(e.g.

techniquesinvolving white/visible light such as

side/oblique lighting or

alternate light source (ALS));

document condition as

received.

FROM

3508/5214

5024

Document

observationsand/or

imagePAP

RETURNTO

5038 Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

- Dryingtool

RETURNTO

5034

GOTO5110

- Output - Wet/Porous/

Non-blood

(2 of 2)

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate scale type (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus Resolution Camera settings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Use a stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a copy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specific labelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions

Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camera to impression)

Contrast

Noise reduction Camera position (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations(TakingImages)

FROM 4332-

Dry

Origin/Porous

(2 of 3)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE25 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 5000 - Object: Wet Origin/PorousSubstrate/Non-Blood (2 of 2)

5110

Output:

- Item(s) (that are chemically

processed);

- imagesof item(s) with

impressionscontaining

sufficient detail for further

examination

5070

Use a destructive technique

on evidence item?

5086

Continue with additional

processing?

RETURNTO

5080

5072

Contact

submitter for

permission?

Use visual examination, knowledge, training, experience,

preference, characteristics of substrate type (non-porous

v semi-porous) and color, surface contaminants, and matrix, and/or agency policy to:

- Select chemical or physical processingtechnique (and

associated applicable lightingscheme) and;

- Determine processing sequence (e.g. least destructive

to most destructive) and if afixative isneeded.

Consider the following options:

- Iodine (for lipids, documents)

- Potassium Thiocyanate

- Fingerprint powder

- Amido Black

- Ninhydrin

- 1,2 Indanedione- Zinc Chloride

- DFO

- Silver Nitrate/Physical Developer

- Other

5082

Utilize selected method PAP

5080

Select Physical/Chemical Processing Method(s) 5092

General Descriptionor Additional InformationObtained

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality(e.g. measure locationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial impressionMeasurementsof lengthand width;and if the

area isfromtheheel, arch, or ball (if footwear andit can bedetermined)

- Appearanceof wear, damage, and/orinclusionsin impression

- Anyadditional impressionsonitem

- Observedlimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesignfeatures/pattern(s)

- Substrateand matrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesand associatedevidence (e.g. shirt and/or

photosof shirt withimpression)

- Otherfeaturesorinformationnot previouslyvisualized

5084

Did the processing

technique improvethe

impression

visualizaton?

5074

Contact submitter

5076

Permission

obtained?

5094

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture available

detail in the impression. (See

ImagingConsiderations - Taking

Images)

5098

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

5104

Continue with

additional

imaging?

5106

Ask for

assistance?

5100

Retain images?

5102

Retain and file images PAP

5108

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

5096

Capture imageswith

selected settings

RETURN TO

5094

FROM

5022/5052 Yes Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

5099

Would further

processing help improve

the impression

visualization?

No

RETURN TO

5080

No

RETURNTO

5098

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

No

GOTO

9000 -

Verification

and

Reporting

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

5090

Are there

additional evidence

itemsto

process?

Yes

No

GOTO

8000 - Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

5112

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Yes

No

5078

Use a

non-destructive

processing method

(e.g.

Iodine)?

No

Yes

5088

Continue with any

existing images?

No

Yes GOTO5110

GOTO5088

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate scale type (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus

Resolution Camera settings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Use a stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a copy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specific labelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camera to impression)

Contrast

Noise reduction

Camera position (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE26 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 5200 - Object: Wet Origin/PorousSubstrate/Blood (1 of 2)

5224

Isthere any

background

interference to

consider?

5202

Input: Blood impression

(or suspected blood) on PorousSubstrate

5218

Isthe impression

faint?

5222

Are there issues with lighting to

consider?

5226

Are there

impression(s)

visible?

5228

Conduct blind

search usinga

chemical

process?

5232

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

5208

Swab for

Presumptive

Test

5206

Perform

presumptive test

for blood?

5210

Positive for

blood?

GOTO

5000 - Wet

Origin/Porous Non-blood

5220

Are there issues with color contrast

to consider?

5212

Re-swab?

5214

Continue

assuming thisis

blood

anyway?

5216

Determine optimal lightingbased on the

following:

5238

GeneralDescription

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality (e.g. measurelocationonitem)

- Whetherfull or partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; andif

the area isfromthe heel, arch, or ball (if

footwear and it canbe determined)

- Appearance of wear, damage, and/or

inclusionsin impression

- Anyadditional impressionson item

- Observedlimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- General descriptionof availabledesign

features/pattern(s)

- Substrate andmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesand

associatedevidence (e.g. shirt and/or photos

of shirt withimpression)

5240

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture available detail in

the impression. (See Imaging

Considerations - Taking Images)

5244

Does the image

capture the available

detail?

5250

Continue with

additional

imaging?

5252

Ask for assistance?

5246

Retain images?

5248

Retain and file images PAP

5254

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

5242

Capture imageswith

selected settings

GOTO

5300 - Wet

Origin/Porous/

Blood (2 of

2)

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

5256

Conduct a chemical

process?

No

Yes

RETURN TO

5240 Yes

Yes

FROM 3508

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

GOTO

5300 - Wet

Origin/Porous/

Blood (2 of

2)

5204

Conduct visual examination

to locate impressions (e.g.

techniquesinvolving

white/visible light such as

side/oblique lightingor

alternate light source (ALS));

document condition as

received.

5230

Document

observationsand/or

imagePAP

RETURN TO

5244

Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

- Dryingtool

GOTO

5342 - Output - Wet

Origin/Porous/

Blood (2 of

2)

Yes

5234

Doesthe

impression need to

be

dried?

5236

Let dry or use

drying tool

No

Yes Yes

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate scale type (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus Resolution

Camera settings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Use a stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a copy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specific labelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions

Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camera to impression)

Contrast

Noise reduction Camera position (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations(Taking Images)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE27 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 5300 - Object: Wet Origin/PorousSubstrate/Blood (2 of 2)

5342

Output:

- Item(s) (that may or may not

be chemically processed);

- Imagesof item(s) with

impressionscontaining

sufficient detail for further

examination

5302

Use a destructive technique

on evidence item?

5316

Continue with additional

processing?

RETURN TO

5310

5304

Contact

submitter for

permission?

Use visual examination, knowledge, experience, training,

preference, characteristicsof substrate and matrix, surface

contaminants, and/or agency policy to:

- Select chemical or physical processing (and associated

applicablelighting scheme) and

- Determine processingsequence (e.g. least to most

destructive).

Consider the followingoptions:

- -1,2-Indanedione ZincChloride or DFO

(1,8-Diazafluoren-9-one) with Forensic Light Source

- Ninhydrin

- Leucocrystal Violet (LCV)

- Physical Developer/Silver Nitrate

- Coomassie Blue

- Crowle'sDouble Stain

- D.A.B.

- Other (e.g. Blue Star, Luminol)

5312

Utilize selected method PAP

5310

Select Chemical Processing Method(s) 5322

General Descriptionor Additional InformationObtained

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Directionality(e.g. measurelocationon item)

- Whetherfullor partial impression

- Measurementsof lengthandwidth; and if the area is

fromthe heel, arch, or ball(if footwear and it canbe

determined)

- Appearanceof wear, damage, and/orinclusionsin

impression

- Anyadditional impressionsonitem

- Observedlimitations

- Logo/Make/Model

- Generaldescription of available design

features/pattern(s)

- Substrateandmatrix

- Descriptionsof anyotherimagesandassociated evidence

(e.g. shirt and/or photosof shirt withimpression)

- Otherfeaturesor informationnot previouslyvisualized

5314

Did the processing

technique improvethe

impression

visualizaton?

5306

Contact submitter

5308

Permission

obtained?

5324

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture available detail in

the impression. (See Imaging

Considerations- Taking Images)

5328

Doesthe image

capture the available

detail?

5336

Continue with

additional

imaging?

5338

Ask for

assistance?

5332

Retain images?

5334

Retain and file images PAP

5340

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

5326

Capture imageswith

selected settings

RETURN TO

5324

FROM

5228/5256 Yes Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

5330

Would further

processinghelp

improve the

impression

visualization?

No

RETURNTO

5310

No

RETURNTO

5328 Technology Assist

- Alternate light source (ALS)

GOTO

8000 - Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

5344

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Yes

No

GOTO

9000 -

Verification

and

Reporting

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

5320

Are there

additional evidence

itemsto

process?

Yes

No

5318

Continue with any

existing images?

No

Yes GOTO5342

No

GOTO5318

GOTO5318

Yes

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate scale type (e.g. Lscale v others)

Focus Resolution

Camera settings

Filter(s) used (if any)

Lighting

-Use a stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a copy stand or tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

Identifierspresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specific labelsPAP)

No distortion

Identify and account for presence of multiple impressions

Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to imaging

Depth of field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camera to impression)

Contrast

Noise reduction Camera position (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE28 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 6000 - Known Assessment (1 of 3): Image/Item Assessment

6004

Obtained the known item

(footwear/tire)?

6010

Label with

unique identifiers

(if needed)

6006

Request known

item?

6008

Make request for

known item

6002

Input: Imagesof

Known and/or Known Item

6012

Possess

imagesof the

known

item?

6014

Review submitted

images for quality (see

Known Image Considerationsand

Image Assessment

(Known and Questioned)

6016

Do the submitted

images contain sufficient

detail for further

examination?

Yes Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

6020

Determine appropriate

imaging settingsto capture

available detail in the

impression. (See Imaging

Considerations- Taking

Images)

6018

Take own

images?

6024

Seek assistance

from imagingunit

or other source PAP

6032

Continue with additional

imaging?

6028

Retain images?

6030

Retain and file

imagesPAP

6037

STOP/

Discontinue with Known

and proceed

PAP

6036

Are there

additional itemsto

process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

Yes

6026

Doesthe image

capture the

available

detail?

No

No

Yes

6022

Capture images with selected

settings

6038

General Description(via imagesor inspectionof item)

- Visual Descriptionof KnownItem:

- Whetherit isfootwear ortire

- Whethertherea scalepresent (if images)

- Observedlimitations

- Conditionof item:wear, damage, and/orinclusions

- Note dateof collectionof Known(timebetween incident and

evidence recovery)

- Logo/Make/Model

- Foowear:

- Left vright

- Manufacturer size

- Manufacturerlabel information(UPCcode, sizesasper

country, factorycode(s) etc)

- Measurementsof lengthand width

- General descriptionof pattern(e.g. herringbonedesign)

- Tire:

- Department of Transportation(DOT) number

- Locationand orientationonvehicle (e.g. inside/outside)

- Typeof vehicle (if possible)

- Size

- Codes

6034

Ask for

assistance?

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

6060

Can I visually

exclude?

6040

Clean the item?

6042

Consult with

submitter and/or

trace evidenceunit(s)

re: trace

evidence?

6062

Continue processing

known(s) for test

impression(s)?

6066

Are there additional

evidence items to

process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

Yes

Yes

Yes

6050

Clean and save debris;

disposition the debris PAP

6046

Save trace

evidence?

6048

Clean without

saving debris

6044

Communicate with submitter

and/or trace

evidence unit

Yes

No

6068

Output:

- Image(s) of Known

impression(s) with

sufficient detail for digital

processing;

- Known item

GOTO6100 -

Known

Assessment (2 of

3): Test

Impressions

FROM 2074

Yes

No

Perspective

Scale present?

Scale type appropriate?

Need for correction?(e.g. perspective and potential

correction in image processing software)

Focus

Lighting

Are all imagespresent?

Exam grade v midrange v overall images

Formatting:

- Usable v unusable/unrecognizable

- JPEGv RAW

Identifiers: present v absent

Distortion

Presence of peripheral impressions

ImageAssessment (Known and Questioned) GO/RETURN

TO6024

GOTO

9000 -

Verification

and

Reporting

6064

Exclusion/Document

Rationale/ImagePAP

No

No

No

No No

Yes

6052

Image?

6054

Take imagesof

cleaned item

Yes

6056

Conduct cursory

comparison?

6058

Select questioned

impression for

comparison

Yes

No

Yes

No

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate Scale Type (e.g. LScale v others)

Focus

Resolution CameraSettings

Filter(s) Used (if any)

Lighting

-Use a stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a Copy Stand or Tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

IdentifiersPresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specific labelsPAP)

No Distortion

Identify and Account for Presence of multiple Impressions Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to photos(e.g.

Barriersor Highlighters: Wax, Spray)

Depth of Field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camera to impression)

Contrast

Noise Reduction Camera position (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations(TakingImages)

No

No

RETURN

Yes TO6020
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE29 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 6100 - Known Assessment (2 of 3): Test Impressions

6108

Use knowledge, experience,

training, shoesize, surface, method

availability, and agency policy to

select test impression type and method(s):

- 2D(e.g. powder and adhesive

overlays, ink, "identicator"-

inklesspad)

- 3D(e.g. sand, dirt, Mikrotrack, Biofoam)

6106

Review case

info/scenario to

determine whether a

dynamic and/or static

impression will be taken

6140

Received actual

vehicle?

6142

Isthere a vehicle to put

the tireson that isthe right

size/type/otherwise

comparable?

6102

Choose appropriate

path based on whether the item is

footwear or tire

6146

STOP/Discontinue

and proceed PAP

6104

Use case scenario to

detemine how to make test

impression?

6164

Document and/orImage:

- Directionality

- Vehicle (Make, model, license, VIN#)

- Whichtire

- Rotation

- General conditionof tire

- Position onvehicle

- Inside andoutside of tire (bysection)

- Mark tirestodemarcate/tracktest locationas

compared tothe impression

- Document anylimitationsassociatedwiththe

tet impressionmethod

6144

Roll out manually?

6148

Roll out manually

6120

Document

- Make/model

- Right or left

- Creator of test impression

- Itemnumber and subdesignations

- Initial anddate

- Methodof test impressioncreation

- General conditionof footwear

- Manufacturerinformation

- Anylimitationsassociatedwiththe

test impressionmethod

FROM 6068 Footwear Yes

Tire

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Technology Assist

Footwear:

- Powder

- Adhesive Overlays

- Ink

- Inklessshoe print kit

- Sand

- Dirt

- MikroTrak

- Biofoam

Tire:

- Tread Indicator: Method used to segment tire into sections

- Coatings: Used to apply to tire surface in order to push tire

along substrate to create impression overlay

(magnapowder, vaseline, printersink, cardstock ink,

fingerprint ink)

- Substrates: Clear acetate roll, paper (that isat leat the

circumference of the tire), foam board

Yes

6150

Use knowledge, experience, training, tire size,

surface, method availability, and agency policy

to select test impression type and method(s):

- 2D(e.g. coatingwith powder and adhesive

overlays; ink and paper (pushing vehicle over

substrate)

- 3D(e.g. sand, dirt)

*May result in examiner utilizing clear overlays,

opaque, or a combination of the two. (See Tech Assist)

No

6110

Create test

impression

6112

Doesthe test

impression capture the

available

detail?

6114

Retain test

impression?

Yes

No

6116

Retain, file, or

archive test

impression

Yes

6118

Create additional test

impression?

RETURN TO

6108 Yes

No

No

6156

Doesthe test

impression capture the

available

detail?

6158

Retain test

impression?

6160

Retain, file, or archive test

impression; or return test

impressionsto submitting

agency PAP

6162

Create additional test

impression?

RETURNTO

6150

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

6154

Create test impression: Record each section on

the test impression

(recordingtakes place as

it isbeing rolled out)

6152

Segment the tire into

sectionsand demarcate

the sidewall

GOTO6200 -

Known

Assessment (3 of

3): Imaging Test

Impressions

No
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE30 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 6200 - Known Assessment (3 of 3): ImagingTest Impressions

6202

Determine appropriate imaging

settingsto capture available detail in

the impression. (See Imaging

Considerations- Taking Images)

FROM

2062/6120

GOTO

8000/8050 -

Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

6226

Output:

- Image(s) of known and/or test

impression(s) with sufficient

detail for further examination;

- Test impression(s);

- Resultsof intercomparison;

- Known item

6222

Intercompare test

impressions?

6224

Perform intercomparison on

test impressionsand note

variability acrossknown

(e.g. size, randomly acquired

characteristics (RACs) etc.)

6206

Doesthe image

capture

the available

detail?

6214

Ask for assistance?

6208

Retain images?

6210

Retain and file images

PAP

6216

Seek assistance from

imaging unit or other

source PAP

6218

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

6220

STOP/

Discontinue

and proceed

PAP

6204

Capture imageswith

selected settings

6212

Continue with

additional

imaging?

Yes Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

RETURN TO

6202

Yes

No

No

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

Yes

No

6228

Are there

additional evidence

items to

process?

Perspective

Scale (make sure thisispresent)

Appropriate Scale Type (e.g. LScale v others)

Focus

Resolution CameraSettings

Filter(s) Used (if any)

Lighting

-Use a stabilizer (PAP)?(e.g. Use a Copy Stand or Tripod)

-Direct, oblique, transmitted, axial, or reflective light

Formatting:

- Usable format needed

- TIFF, JPEG, RAW

IdentifiersPresent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specific labelsPAP)

No Distortion

Identify and Account for Presence of multiple Impressions Note if there hasbeen any processing prior to photos(e.g.

Barriersor Highlighters: Wax, Spray)

Depth of Field (e.g. account for curved surface, proximity of

camera to impression)

Contrast

Noise Reduction Camera position (e.g. Isplane parallel to substrate?)

ImagingConsiderations(TakingImages)
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE31 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 7000 - ReferenceSearch

7008

Conduct reference search using:

- Commercial databases

- Forums/listserves

- Internet websites

- Consultation with colleagues

- Manufacturer/distributor

contacts

- Shoe stores

- Crowdsourcing

- Internal reference collection

7034

Issue investigative lead

report PAP

7010

Potential

correspondence?

7012

Conduct an

additional

reference

search?

7024

Assesssimilarity of

outsole/tread design

between reference

record(s) and

questioned impression

7026

Isthere sufficient

correspondence between

questioned and reference

record?

7028

Conduct additional

research?

7020

Do I have additional

evidence to

process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

7036

Do I have additional

images to process?

7002

Assessand

determine proper

orientation of

image

7014

Compare questioned

impressionsto each

other?

7006

Orient and resize

image asneeded

FROM

8036/8062

7022

STOP/GOTO

9000 -

Verification and

Reporting/

Proceed PAP

RETURN TO

8032 - Image

Examination/

Digital

Processing

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

7030

Conduct Additonal

Research

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

7032

Issueinvestigative lead

report?

Yes

No

7004

Isthe impression

oriented correctly and

to scale (i.e. the

image doesnot need to be

rotated/inverted and

doesnot appear

depressed/

concave)?

7016

Intercomparison PAP(e.g.

intelligence

etc.)

GOTO

9000 -

Verification

and

Reporting

RETURN TO

7008

7038

STOP/GOTO

9000 -

Verification and

Reporting/

Proceed PAP
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE32 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 8000 - ImageExamination and Digital Processing

ImageAssessment

Assessthe followingaspectsof the image

Perspective?

Focus Resolution

AppropriateScale Present? (Scale Type e.g. LScale v others))

Need for Correction?(e.g. perspective and potential correction in

photoshop)

CameraSettings

Filter(s) Used (if any)

Lighting

-Wasan imagestabilizer used?

-Grossphotography tools(e.g. WasaCopy Stand or Tripod used)

AreAll PhotosPresent?

Exam Grade v Midrange v Overall Photos

Formatting:

- Usable v Unusable/Unrecognizable

- TIF, JPEG, RAW

Identifiers: Present v Absent (e.g. L, R, a, b, c, 1, 2, 3, and any agency

specificlabelsPAP)

Distortion - doesruler appear distorted

Presence of Peripheral Impressions Hasthere been any processing prior to photos? (e.g.Barriers or Highlighters: Wax, Spray)

Depth of Field (e.g. curved surface, proximity of camera to impression)

Contrast

Cameraposition (e.g. Is plane parallel to substrate?)

8002

Input: Imagesof evidence

and/or known impression(s) with

sufficient detail for digital processing;

test plan; case information.

8010

Determine which images will be processed based on:

Knowledge, experience,

and/or other factorssuch as

clarity, numeric/exhibit

order, submitter request, or

importance based on case

info

8034

Do I have known

item?

8048

Perform acursory

evaluation of images/

pattern(s)?

8058

Eliminate based on class

characteristics (such asoutsole

pattern or tread

design)?

8060

Document Exclusion Rationale and Image PAP

8004

Load imagesinto

image processing

software (may be

done via batching)

FROM

6228

8050

Select the

known(s) for

evaluation (See Selection of

Knowns)

8032

Choose an image

of an questioned

impression for

analysis(based on

overall quality)

8026

Use experience, training, and

knowledge to perform image

processing (including but not

limited to):

- Levelswith highlighting; invert

b/w; contrast; masks; gradient maps; HDRtoning; huesaturation,

color balance; channel mixer;

shadows/highlights; crop; dodge

and burn

- These techniquesmay be

documented in a single layer or multiple layers.

8014

Have these images

already been digitally

processed?

8038

Attempt further

image

processing?

8062

Do I have

additional known

item(s) to

assess?

8040

Process imageto

improve clarity,

visualization,

detail, contrast

8052

Assessand

determine proper

orientation of

impression

(SeeAlerts and

Considerations)

8022

Isthe impression

oriented correctly and

to scale (i.e. the

image doesnot need to be

rotated/inverted

and doesnot appear

depressed/

concave)?

8020

Assessand

determine proper

orientation of

impression

(SeeAlertsand

Considerations)

8024

Orient and resize image as

needed

Alertsand Considerations:

- Scale turned around

- Ruler appearsdistorted/incorrect

- Knowledge of type lift type used

- Knowledge of known processing

regarding lift

*May also need to rely on other

information from crime scene,

tangential info, or directional labels

for orientation

8036

Conduct

reference

search?

8042

Compare questioned

impressionsto each

other?

8056

Orient and resize image(s)

asneeded

Yes

No

Yes

Yes Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes Yes

8006

Conduct Initial Suitability Assessment and Organization Activities

- Assessimagesfor suitability, evaluating factorssuch as

clarity, quality, and identifying the largest continuous

impression (See Image Assessment)

- Create working copy of all filesand renamePAP

- Note the followingPAP:

- File metadata to include image description

- Connection to other impressions

- Which imagesto proceed with in case notes

- Any limitationsof imagesin case notes(scale etcsee image assessment)

- Group imagesPAP(e.g. by exhibit or impression

number)

- Create contact sheet(s) PAP(e.g. creating contact sheet

that containsexamination quality images)

Yes

No

No

GOTO

7000 - Reference

Search

No

No

Yes Yes

8044

Do I have additional

evidence to

process?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

No

Yes

GOTO8034

GOTO

7000 - Reference

Search

Factorsfor selecting known image for

analysis/evaluation may includefactorssuch

as:

- Case information?

- Based on other circumstances?

- Evidence Type?

- Investigative priority (probitivity)?

- Case Type priority?

- LIMSnumber?

Selection of Knowns

FROM

3106/3264/3356/3426/

4134/4332/4396/4568/

4794/5112/

5344/6228

GOTO

8100 - Comparison

(1 of 2)

GOTO

8100 -

Comparison

(1 of 2)

8016

Processimagesto

improve clarity, detail,

contrast etc?

8054

Are the impression(s)

oriented correctly and to

scale (i.e. the

imagesdo not need to be

rotated/inverted and

do not appear

depressed/

concave)?

8012

Document

- Filenamesanddescription(s) of

imagestobe further analyzed

- Rationale forimage choice

decisions

- Suitabilitydecisions(e.g.

includinganylimitations)

- Note if multiple impressions(if

possible)

- Contact sheet withfilenames

No

GOTO

8100 - Comparison

(1 of 2)

8018

Choose image to

proceed with for

examination

8028

Document

processing

techniquesused

(e.g. historylog, digital processing

software usedetc.)

8030

Do I have additional

images to

process?

Yes

No

8046

Intercomparison PAP(e.g.

intelligence GOTO9000 - etc.)

Verification and

Reporting

GOTO9000

-Verification

and

Reporting

No

FROM

9006

Yes
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE33 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 8100 - Comparison (1 of 2)

8102

Full analysison

Known?

8120

Start comparison

now?

No

FROM

8016/8048/8058 Yes

No

8122

Annotate features of interest (See

Featuresof Interest) on questioned

impression usingan overlay,

superimposition, or layer tool utilizinga

digital interface:

- Outsole/tread design;

- Outsole/tread design elements;

- Areas of wear;

- Randomly acquired characteristics

(RACs)

- Any other featuressuch asnoise

treatment (size of the elements), left v

right (if footwear), and possible mold

features.

8128

Select image(s) or

item(s) for

comparison (known

or questioned)

Yes

No

8126

Analyze additional

questioned

impressions?

RETURN TO

8032 - Image

Examination/

Digital Processing

Yes

No

8130

Eliminate based on class

characteristics (such asoutsole

pattern or tread

design)?

8134

Document Exclusion Rationale and Image PAP

Yes

8136

Do I have

additional item(s)

to analyze?

No

Yes

No

GOTO

8200 - Comparison

(2 of 2)

Featuresof Interest

- Outsole design

- Design elements

- size and shape

- logos

- text

- Wear

- general - heel wear, scuffing

- specific- specific to the personunusual

- RACs

- mold feature

- schallamach- advanced wear

of rubber

- cuts

- knicks

- scratches

- stone hold

- embedded items (nail, gum

etc)

8138

Do I have

additional item(s)

to compare?

RETURN

TO8128

8110

Processimagesto

improve clarity, detail,

contrast etc?

8116

Orient image asneeded

8112

Assessand

determine proper

orientation of

impression

(See Alertsand

Considerations)

Yes

8118

Use experience, training, and knowledge

to perform image processing (including

but not limited to):

- Levelswith highlighting; invert b/w;

contrast; masks; gradient maps; HDR

toning; hue saturation, color balance;

channel mixer; shadows/highlights;

crop; dodge and burn

- These techniquesmay be documented

in a single layer or multiple layers.

8104

Annotate featuresof interest (See

Featuresof Interest) on Known using

an overlay, superimposition, or layer

tool utilizinga digital interface:

- Outsole/tread design;

- Outsole/tread design elements;

- Areasof wear;

- Randomly acquired characteristics

(RACs)

- Any other featuressuch as noise

treatment (size of the elements),

left v right (if footwear), and

possible mold features.

Yes

No

8114

Isthe impression

oriented correctly (i.e. the

image doesnot need to be

rotated/inverted and

doesnot appear

depressed/

concave)?

8140

Do I have

additional evidence

to

process?

GOTO 9000 -

Verification and

Reporting/

Proceed PAP

No

Yes

No

Yes

8124

Assessthe valueof

the featuresin

correspondence(e.g.

relative weight, rarity)

8106

Assessthe valueof

the features (e.g.

relative weight, rarity)

8108

Do I have

additional known

item(s)to

analyze?

RETURN TO

8050 - Image

Examination/

Digital Processing

Yes

No

8132

Annotate featuresof interest - or any

additional featuresnot previously marked - (See Featuresof Interest) on

questioned impression usingan overlay,

superimposition, or layer tool utilizinga

digital interface:

- Outsole/tread design;

- Outsole/tread design elements;

- Areas of wear;

- Randomly acquired characteristics

(RACs)

- Any other featuressuch asnoise

treatment (size of the elements), left v

right (if footwear), and possible mold

features.

Alertsand Considerations:

- Scale turned around

- Ruler appearsdistorted/incorrect

- Knowledge of type lift type used

- Knowledge of known processing

regarding lift

*May also need to rely on other

information from crime scene,

tangential info, or directional labels

for orientation

RETURN TO

8032 - Image

Examination/

Digital Processing

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE34 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 8200 - Comparison (2 of 2)

8202

Perform comparison with test impression

and/or outsole or tire

using side by side and/or

overlaying

FROM 8132

Featuresof Interest

- Outsole design

- Design elements

- size and shape

- logos

- text

- Wear

- general - heel wear, scuffing

- specific- specific to the personunusual

- RACs

- mold feature

- schallamach- advanced wear

of rubber

- cuts

- knicks

- scratches

- stone hold

- embedded items (nail, gum

etc)

8206

Document the featuresof

interest (see Featuresof

Interest), their correspondence

and any non-correspondence

(includinglimiting factors).

8208

Consult prior to

conclusion?

8210

Consult with

another examiner Yes

8242

Do the known item and the

questioned impression have one

or more correspondingrandomly

acquired characteristics (RACs) with no meaningful

differences?

8222

Are there significant

limitations associated with

the impression or known

(e.g. limited quality and/or

quantity)

8228

Doesthe appearance of wear in

the impression correspond to the

general wear in the known

outsole/tread?

8212

Is there correspondence

between the featuresin the

impression and the design of

the known outsole/

tread?

8216

Does the physical size of the

shapes in the impression correspond to

the physical size of the

design elements in the known

outsole/tread?

8218

Am I confident that the

impression is natural size

(i.e. 1:1)?

8234

Can the difference in wear

be accounted for?(e.g. time

difference between impression

deposition and known item

collection)

8230

Are there visual indications

that the footwear/tire that made

the impression ismore worn

than the known?

8244

Isthere sufficient quality,

quantity, and complexity of the RACs in agreement such that an

examiner would not expect to see the

same combination of

characteristics repeated in a

different footwear/tire?

8236

Isthe degree of the wear

difference sufficient for an

exclusion?

Yes

8214

Exclusion/Source

exclusion

No

8220

Exclusion/Source

exclusion

Yes

No

Yes

No

8226

Limited association of class

characteristics/Inconclusive

8224

Lackssufficient

detail/Inconclusive

No

Yes

Yes

8238

Exclusion/Source

exclusion

Yes

8232

Exclusion/Source

exclusion

Yes

8240

Indicationsof non-association/

Support for exclusion

No

Yes

8246

Association of class

characteristics/Inclusion

based on class

characteristics

No

8250

Identification/Source

identification

8248

High degree of

association/Inclusion based

on classand RACs

No

Yes

No

No

No

8260 - Evidence Loop

GOTO

9000 -

Verification and

Reporting

8262

Isthere more evidence

to examine?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

Y

N

GOTO8260

GOTO8260

No

GOTO8260

8204

Assessfeaturesand their

level of correspondence

LEGEND*

Exclusion/Source

exclusion - Known

did not make Questioned

Limited association of class

characteristics/ Inconclusive

Lackssufficient detail - a

comparison was conducted/

Inclonclusive- No determination due

to limitationspreventing inclusion or

exclusion of Known creating the Questioned

Indicationsof non-association/

Support for exclusion- Known

probably did not make the Questioned

Association of class

characteristics/ Inclusion

based on class

characteristics- Known

could have made Questioned

High degree of

association/ Inclusion

based on classand RACs -

Known probably made Questioned

Identification/Source

Identification - Known made Questioned

Yes GOTO8228

*Due to variability in conclusion scales

asrepresented by the working group,

both SWGTREADand Uniform Language

for Testimony and Reporting (ULTR)

conclusionsare represented on this ProcessMap.
OSACFootwear and Tire Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June 8, 2022 PAGE35 Footwear and TireExamination ProcessMap (Current Practice)

Return to Overview 9000 - Verification and Reporting

9042

Create draft report (PAP):

- Agency info

- Date and signature

- List of items

- Images/image references

- Table of images

- Contact sheets

- Methodology

- Conclusion(s)

- Limitations

- Glossary of terms

- Disclaimers

- Additional item/image requests

9044

Archive images

9026

Send

information,

imagesetc. to

verifier

9024

Provide next examiner with non-annotated

impression images, casts

if taken and images,

actual shoesor tiresand

test impressions

9010

Will conclusion(s)

be verified prior to

creatingthe

report?

9018

Conduct blind

verification?

9016

Determine which opinions will be verified

9020

Share all

information to

verified (e.g.

features, case

notesetc.)

9022

Share images with features

annotated?

9030

Are the conclusions

in agreement?

9040

Create written

report?

Considerationsfor Conflict Resolution

- Communication between examiner and

verifier

- Bring in other examiners(eg. Supervisor, Q/A,

Tech lead etc)

- Consultation

- Supervisory input

- Changed conclusion

Considerationsfor Verification

- DoesExaminer provide all examination

documentation (e.g. layers, markupsetc. ) to Verifying

examiner?

- DoesExaminer provide conclusion of comparison to

Verifying examiner?

- Will case be completely reworked by another

examiner or via additional/different methods?

Yes

No

9060 - Evidence Loop

9062

Isthere more evidence

to examine?

GOTO

2062 - Item

Characterization

Y

N

STOP

9048

TECHNICAL

REVIEW

9050

ADMIN

REVIEW

9028

VERIFICATION

9032

Conflict Resolution

PAP(See Considerationsfor

Conflict Resolution)

Yes

No

9034

Sign material for

acknowledgment

PAP

Yes Yes

9008

Input: Completed

Examinations

FROM

4054/4250/4360/4374/

4480/4492/4524/4544/

4754/4770/5090/5320/

6066/7016/8044/8046/

8140/8262

Yes

No

No No

9052

Disposition of

evidenceitems

(PAP)

9054

Release report

to customer

9002

Am I awaitingthe

submission of

additional

evidence

(e.g. a known

submission)?

No

9006

Hold while

awaiting

additional item(s)

and proceed PAP

Yes

RETURN

TO8034 -

Image

Examination/

Digital

Analysis

9004

Report on

examinations

conducted so

far?

Yes

No

9036

Issue verbal

report?

9038

Issue

verbal/oral

report

No

Yes

9012

Create draft report (PAP):

- Agency info

- Date and signature

- List of items

- Images/image references

- Table of images

- Contact sheets

- Methodology

- Conclusion(s)

- Limitations

- Glossary of terms

- Disclaimers

- Additional item/image requests

9014

Will my

conclusion(s) be

verified?

Yes

GOTO9044

No

9046

Will there be a

technical

review?

No

Yes
OSACFootwear and Tire

Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire

examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June8, 2022 Page 36 Footwear and Tire Examination Process

Map (Current Practice)

Glossary of Termsand Definitions

Return to Overview

3-D qualities? Three-dimensional characteristics of a footwear or tire track impression.

Background interference? Aberrations in the substrate which the footwear or tire track impressions is

present which can cause light or focusing distortions during impression visualization or photography.

Backlighting? Application of light behind a footwear or tire track impression specifically on glass so that the

light passes through the impression and into the aperture of the camera.

Barriers? Spray used specifically on footwear or tire track impressions made in soft substrates which

hardens on the surface of the impression so that subsequent casting will not damage impression.

Blind search? Conduction a search for footwear or tire-track impressions which are not readily visible to a

naked eye by using lighting and or lifting techniques. Chain of Custody (CoC)? Chronological record of the handling and storage of an item from its point of

collection to its final return or disposal. Chemically or physically processed? Addition of a variety of chemicals or reagents to improve

visualization of footwear and tire track impression. Color contrast? The difference in luminance or color that makes an object distinguishable from other

objects within the same field of view.

(Trial) Continuance? The suspension or postponement of a trial or court proceeding. Contrast? How well black can be distinguished from white at a given resolution. Copy stand? The stand consists of a platform onto which the item is placed where the camera can be

mounted above and parallel to it, usually with an adjustable height.This may or may not include lighting.

Correction? Attempts in image analysis tools to correct or remedy image distortion artifacts. Depth of Field? The distance that is in focus (sharp) when capturing an image based upon the camera and

lens, and their settings. Distortion? An unclear or inaccurate representation of the footwear or tire in an impression due to

interference in the impression-making process or its subsequent retrieval.

Electrostatic Dust Lift? An instrument that utilizes an electrostatic charge as a means of transferring dry

origin impressions from a substrate to a film.

Exam grade(photos)? A photograph taken following a specific protocol for the purpose of conducting a

forensic comparative examination. Gel Lift? Gelatin applied to a pliable backing that can be used to lift impressions

Highlighters? Sprays, paints or waxes used to increase contrast of footwear and tire track impressions

particularly in snow.

Identifiers? Details use to establish or recognize the identity of; ascertain as a certain item of evidence.

Impressions? The product of direct physical contact of an item, such as a footwear or tire, resulting in the

transfer and retention of characteristics of that item.

Investigative lead? Updated information regarding a case which can assist in the investigation.

JPEG? Image compression and storage format specified by the Joint Photographic Experts Group. It is

discrete cosine transform-based.

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)? Is a type of software designed to improve lab

productivity and efficiency, by keeping track of data associated with samples, experiments, laboratory

workflows, and instruments.

Layers? One image is stacked on top of another image and can annotated so that the base image is not

affected.

Layer tool? Tool used in image processing software such as Photoshop to apply a layer to an image.

Lighting? Application of light to an item of evidence to observer visually of record photographically.

Limitation? A shortcoming or defect. Memorandum for record (MFR)? Memo covering information that would otherwise not be recorded in

writing.
OSACFootwear and Tire

Subcommittee

This process map provides a visual description and attempts to represent all reasonable variations of casework currently performed by footwear and tire

examiners. OSAC does not necessarily support or endorse (as best practices) all of the different steps and paths depicted in this process map.

June8, 2022 Page 37 Footwear and Tire Examination Process

Map (Current Practice)

Glossary of Termsand Definitions

Return to Overview

Midrange (photos)? Establishes the location of evidence and what relationship that evidence has to the

scene

Natural size? Life-size reproduction. * An image magnification of 1X i.e. the image is the same size as the

object. Noise reduction?Noise treatment- The mixed arrangement of tread blocks sizes used by the tire industry to

reduce noise generated by tires. Outsole/tread design elements? A general category of footwear outsole patterns (i.e. herringbone pattern,

lugged outsole pattern, wave pattern, plain soles, etc.). Overall (photos)? Photographs which capture the global aspects of the crime scene to show exactly where

the scene was and to show all boundaries of the scene.

Peripheral impressions? Footwear or tire track impression which appear next to the impressions in

question.

Perspective? In image analysis, camera-to-subject geometry, including both camera-to-subject distance

and orientation of the camera relative to the subject.

Plane? An imaginary line, flat area or field which lies perpendicular to the optical axis. The ?Optical Axis?

passes through the centre of the lens and the image sensor. Quality? An inherent or distinguishing characteristic; a property. Quantity? Physical properties subject to measurement, such as length, time, weight, and concentration. Randomly Acquired Characteristics (RACs)? A feature on a footwear outsole or tire tread resulting from

random events including, but not limited to: cuts, scratches, tears, holes, stone holds, abrasions and the

acquisition of debris. The position, orientation, size and shape of these characteristics contribute to the

uniqueness of a footwear outsole or tire tread. Randomly acquired characteristics are essential for an

identification of a particular item of footwear or tire as the source of an impression. RAW? A family of file formats, often specific to different models of digital imagery equipment, that are not

yet processed for storage in a 'printable' image format such as JPEG or TIFF. The file extension '.raw' is

only one such format. Reference record? Know footwear or tire track impressions record and stored in a reference library or

database.

Scale/Scale type?A ruler marked with a range of calibrated scales (ratios) for drawing and measuring

Schallamach? Microscopic patterns that develop as ridges on rubber material as a result of repeated

abrasive forces. These patterns are very similar in their size and appearance to skin friction ridges and are

highly individual. They continue to change rapidly as affected by continued abrasion. Schallamach patterns

are randomly acquired characteristics. The term gets its name from a researcher of the same name.

Sidewall ?The side of an automotive tire between the tread shoulder and the rim bead which contains

information specific to the make, model and manufacturing specific to that tire.

Stabilizer? Devises used to remove movement during image capture which include copy stands and

tripods.

Subdesignations? Application of unique identifiers to items of evidence.

Substrate? Surface upon which a footwear or tire track impression is deposited.

TIFF? Tagged Image File Format

Tripod?A three-legged stand for supporting a camera or other apparatus.