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Guide for the Detection of Footwear and Tire 

Impressions in the Field (03/2005)

1. Scope

1.1 This Guide provides procedures for the detection of footwear and tire 

impressions in the field.

1.2 The particular procedures and methods employed in a given case will depend on 

the nature and quality of the impressions.

1.3 This Guide may not cover all aspects of unusual or uncommon conditions.

1.4 This Guide does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, 

associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this Guide to establish 

appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory 

limitations prior to use.

1.5 This Guide is not intended as a substitute for training in the detection of forensic 

footwear and tire track evidence. Completion of a training program and experience in 

these skills are essential to understanding and applying the principles outlined in this 

Guide.

2. Terminology

Refer to the Standard for Terminology Used for Forensic Footwear and Tire 

Impression Evidence for a definition of terms used in this document.

3. Significance and Use

3.1 The procedures outlined here are grounded in the generally accepted body of 

knowledge and experience for the detection of foot wear and tire impression 

evidence. By following these procedures, both patent and latent impressions can be 

detected.

3.2 Footwear and tire tread impressions are detected in the field for the following 

purposes:

3.2.1 To determine position and orientation of impressions, tire track width, turning 

radius, and other information that would aid in the reconstruction of events
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Guide for the Detection of Footwear and Tire Impressions in the Field (03/2005)

3.2.2 For future documentation, collection, and examination

4. Interferences

4.1 Footwear and tire evidence may have inherent limitations that can interfere with 

the procedures in this Guide. Limitations, when known, should be noted and 

recorded.

4.2 Limitations can be due to environmental factors, lighting, substrate features, and 

quality of original impressions.

5. Equipment and Requirements

5.1 Electrostatic lifting device

5.2 Light sources of sufficient type and intensity to allow for detection of impression 

evidence

Note: Light sources may include natural light, incandescent light, fiber optic, 

fluorescent light sources, or forensic light sources of varying wavelengths.

5.3 Materials for physical and chemical enhancement

5.4 Photographic equipment

5.5 Sufficient time for a thorough search

6. Procedures

The following procedures may be used, as appropriate, depending on the 

composition of the impression evidence and the substrate material. The order of the 

following detection methods may vary.

6.1 Look for visible impressions utilizing natural and/or artificial light sources.

6.2 Use oblique, coaxial, and polarized light to detect less visible and latent 

impressions.

6.3 Use electrostatic lifting device to search for latent dust impressions.

6.4 Document and/or photograph (as set forth in the Guide for the Forensic 

Documentation and Photography of Footwear and Tire Impressions at the Crime 

Scene) impressions prior to and after any procedure.

6.5 Use fingerprint powder to develop latent impressions on nonporous surfaces.
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Guide for the Detection of Footwear and Tire Impressions in the Field (03/2005)

6.6 Use physical and/or chemical enhancement methods to develop and/or enhance 

faint and latent bloody impressions and to develop and/or enhance nonblood 

impressions.

Note: Paper, glass, and other items that may contain latent impressions that cannot 

be detected in the field may require collection for later processing in the laboratory.

7. Report

7.1 Procedures utilized and impressions detected should be documented and may 

also appear in a report.

8. Bibliography

Abbott, J. R. Footwear Evidence; Charles C. Thomas: Springfield, IL, 1964.

Bodziak, W. J. Footwear Impression Evidence, 2nd ed.; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, 

2000.

Cassidy, M. J. Footwear Identification; Public Relations Branch of the Royal 

Canadian Mounted Police: 1980. (Reprinted by Lightning Powder Company, Inc. 

1995.)

Fisher, B. A. J. Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation 7th ed.; Elsevier: New York, 

2004.

Hilderbrand, D. S. Foot wear, The Missed Evidence; Staggs Publishing: Temecula, 

CA, 1999.

IAI Recommended Course of Stud y for Footwear & Tire Track Examiners; Inter 

national Assoc. Identification: Mendota Htgs., M N, 1995.

McDonald, P. Tire Imprint Evidence; CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, 1992.

Nause, L. Forensic Tire Impression Identification Canadian Police Research Centre: 

Ottawa, ON. Canada, 2001.