presents

Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011

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LETN-160-0011CT

Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 Edward E. Hueske, B.S., M.A. Forensic Training & Consulting, LLC

Notes

I. SYNOPSIS
This lesson presents the proper procedures for photographing and casting footwear and tire impression evidence at crime scenes. The proper documentation and collection of impression evidence is essential to laboratory comparison with suspects footwear and vehicle tires. Unless special care is taken to follow these procedures, the evidentiary value of crime scene impressions can be compromised.

II. OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this activity, the participant will be able to: 1. recognize the best methods to use in photographing impression evidence. 2. utilize camera equipment to the best advantage. 3. determine how to cast impressions using dental stone. 4. properly preserve impression evidence.

III. INTRODUCTION
Footwear impression and tire tread evidence are among the most ignored evidence at crime scenes. This is largely due to a lack of proper training in the recognition and preservation of these types of evidence and in the proper collection techniques to use.

IV. KEY POINTS

Footwear worn by the majority of the population includes one or more pairs of athletic shoes. Athletic shoe manufacturers are continuously changing sole designs as part of their marketing programs.

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 The various sole designs from manufacturer to manufacturer and within a single manufacturers products enhance the usefulness of footwear impressions for identifying suspects. The likelihood of finding footwear impressions at a crime scene is directly proportional to the training and experience of the scene investigator. The most probable reason for footwear impressions not remaining intact at a crime scene is failure to properly secure and control the scene. Even brand-new footwear can possess materials on the outsole that can limit the number of possible contributors. Not all footwear impressions at crime scenes are readily visible, further adding to the likelihood that they will be overlooked. Tire tread designs are useful for establishing the particular brand. Retread tires can have individual characteristics that occur during their production. The equipment required for proper photography of impression evidence is typically already part of the crime scene investigators repertoire. Special orientation of the photography equipment is required in order to maximize the results obtained . Tire tread evidence, although somewhat similar to footwear, has its own special considerations at the crime scene. Like footwear impressions, tire impressions are often overlooked or ignored at crime scenes. The fact that tire impressions are nearly always outdoors greatly increases the chance for their inadvertent damage or destruction. Proper lighting is one of the keys to good impression photography.

Notes

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 Since photographs are two-dimensional only, three-dimensional impressions must also be cast in order to recover as much of the available evidence as possible. Photographs taken without a scale present are useless. Photographs taken from too far away result in loss of the impression detail when enlarged. Photographs taken at angles to the impression introduce distortion. Oblique light should be used when photographing footwear impressions. The electronic flash should be used to provide oblique light. In order to do this, a flash extension cord that is 56 feet long is necessary. A minimum of three photographs should be taken of each item of impression evidence. Almost all digital cameras still do not allow for their pictures to be enlarged to 11 x 14 inches, which is necessary to make natural-size enlargements. Therefore, digital cameras should not be used for this type of photography. 35mm format is the minimum for impression photography. A quality color film is most suitable for recording this type of evidence. Black and white film should only be used for specialized photography, such as luminol photography. Tire impressions are often quite long, necessitating selectivity in what is photographed/cast. Dental stone is the preferred casting medium due to its durability and rapid set-up time. Impressions in snow require specialized photography and casting methods. In snow, Snow Print Wax or a dark colored spray paint can be used to highlight the impression and create better contrast.

Notes

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 A high intensity oblique light source is necessary to search for and locate two-dimensional shoe impressions in dust or residue. When located, two-dimensional impressions are can be both photographed and lifted.

Notes

V. OUTLINE
The proper documentation of impression evidence requires both photography and dental stone casting. Both of these techniques require some special considerations. A. Impression Photography Like any evidence at a crime scene, the first step is to take overall scene photographs that include the impression evidence 1. Equipment a. Tripod A tripod is essential for the close-up photographs necessary The tripod should have the ability to invert so that the camera may be hung beneath the tripod b. Flash A detachable strobe (flash) is necessary in order to produce oblique lighting c. Shutter Release The cameras timer, or a remote shutter release cable should be used to prevent camera movement when photographs are taken d. Film The largest possible film format should be used (35mm minimum)

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 2. Technique a. A scale must be present in all close-up photographs b. The camera must be directly over the impression c. The camera back must be parallel to the plane of the impression d. If the sun is at an angle such that shadows are created in the impression, some available light photographs may be taken e. The impression should be shaded and the strobe removed from the camera and held at a low angle for at least 3 photographs f. Some positions of the strobe can actually wash out impression detail g. Multiple photographs with the strobe at various positions around the impression can enhance the likelihood of getting good detail

Notes

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 3. The Correct Set-up for Impression Photography a. Cameras with manual focus control should be used b. It is particularly critical that 2-D dust impressions be photographed using different positions of the light source c. All photographs of this type must include a finely divided ruler as a scale d. The scale should be on the same level as the impression e. Some prefer to use an L-shaped scale to assure that there is no perspective problem, i.e. that the picture was not taken at an angle f. The impression and the ruler should fill the frame so the entire 35 mm film is used g. Placing a number on the ruler that will correspond with subsequent lifts or casts will help identify the impression be photographed h. Impressions in sand or snow can be sprayed with black paint to create a shadow effect allowing photographs with available light or fixed flash 4. Steps in Photographing 3-D Impressions 1) Locate impression. 2) Place ruler about 1-1_-inches away from impression and at same depth as the bottom of the impression. This may require some careful digging or scrapping. 3) Placing a number on the ruler that will allow for later identification of that impression. 4) Check and set camera and flash settings. If not automatic, make sure ISO is set properly. Set camera on manual focus. Set timer. Set aperture priori-

Notes

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 ty to greatest depth of field and lens to corresponding f-stop, i.e. f32 or f22. Turn flash on and set flash to TTL setting. 5) Place camera on tripod so it will hang beneath tripod. Set up tripod with camera so that camera in centered over the impression. The length of the camera back should run in the same direction as the length of the film. 6) Visually adjust the camera so that the camera back is parallel to the plane of the impression. 7) Adjust the tripod height so that the camera and scale are fully included but are otherwise as close to the impression as possible, i.e.fill the frame. 8) Focus the camera on the bottom of the impression. Do not focus on the ruler. Do not use "auto-focus." 9) Without using the flash, take one or two as is photographs, simply capturing a photograph of the impression as it appears but without the use of oblique light. 10) Then, using the electronic camera flash and the long (5-6 foot) flash extension cord, position the flash at approximately 4-5 feet away from the impression. Make sure the flash is aimed directly at the impression so it light will fall across its surface. The height of the flash will vary depending on the depth of the impression. For very shallow impressions, the flash may only be at a 10-degree angle. For deeper impressions, the flash will need to be higher. 11) Since three-dimensional impressions are normally outside, there is a good chance that it is a sunny or bright day. If this is the case, the impression must be shaded with a black cloth so that the light from the electronic flash will be the dominant light source, and not the sun. This can be achieved using a black cloth, or as a last resort, by having an individual cast their shadow across the impression when photographed.

Notes

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 12) Photograph the impression from three sides, each approximately 120 degrees away from the other. Make sure you re-focus before each exposure. 5. Photographing 2-D Impressions in Dust 1) Some two-dimensional impressions may be visible, while other may have to be located by darkening the room and shining a high intensity light over the area, grazing the surface with the light source. A scene-by-scene decision will need to be made regarding other two-dimensional impressions that are totally latent and that will only be detected with the electrostatic lifter, as standing in this area photographing certain impressions, may destroy others that are latent. 2) Place a ruler with a number on it alongside of the impression. 3) Set up the camera and tripod as in 3-D impression photography. Focus manually on the impression. 4) Turn off any overhead lighting as this light will interfere with the photography. 5) Photograph using the electronic flash. Hold the flash a ground level and aim the flash so that its light will grave the surface of impression. 6) Multiple exposures should be taken by directing the flash from three different sides. 6. Photographing 3-D Impressions in Snow 1) Snow impressions are difficult to photograph, since the snow is translucent and white. Both of these qualities interfere with the use of oblique light. To photograph snow impressions, first follow the steps above for 3-D impressions and take one or two as is photographs. 2) Then use Snow Print Wax or a dark colored aerosol paint and lightly spray the impression from a safe

Notes

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 distance and at a 45-degree angle, only to highlight the high spots of the impression. 3) Then photograph using available light. If this is done at night, then additional oblique light from the flash at a 5 foot distance will be necessary

Notes

B. Casting Impressions 1. Casts should always be made of every footwear impression. Dental stone is the preferred casting material as it is inexpensive, is easy to mix and use, sets up quickly and is very durable when fully cured. Casting 3-D impressions often allows for the capture of more detail than photography and also backs up the photographic process. Dental stone is available from dental supply houses. Make sure you order dental stone, and not dental plaster. Always use dental stone with a rating of approximately 8,000 psi. This will have a water-topowder (W:P) ratio of about 30/100. It comes in several colors. Buff color is the preferred color. Casting is done after the photographs have been taken. a. Dental stone comes in 25-pound packages boxes. b. Approximately 2 pounds of dental stone is required for the average footwear impression. Most crime scene technicians pre-weigh several 2pound portions in durable zip-lock bags. Then when at the crime scene, the proper amount of water can be added and the casting material can be mixed in the bag. c. A water-to-powder ratio (W:P) is always on the dental stone box or on literature inside of the box. The powder portion of this ratio will always be expressed as 100. If the W:P ratio is 30:100, it means that the consistency is 30. To determine how much water for a two-pound portion is needed for this consistency, multiply the consistency X .306729. So 30 X .306729 = 9.2 ounces of water

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 for a 2-pound portion. Then add about _ ounces of additional water. d. Add this quantity of water to the bag, close the bag and mix thoroughly for a minimum of 3 minutes. This is necessary to completely mix the dental stone. e. A 3-foot section of each tire tread impression should always be cast. This will require anywhere from 10 to 25 pound of dental stone, depending on the depth of the impression. f. This quantity of dental stone must be mixed in a bucket by first adding the proper amount of water, and then stirring in the corresponding amount of dental stone. It must be mixed for at least 5-6 minutes to assure a completely homogenous mixture. g. Care must be taken when pouring the casting material in the impression. Two persons are necessary. One can hold a piece of cardboard or similar object to help deflect the force of the dental stone when pouring. h. Dental stone typically sets up in about 20 minutes, but may take longer in very cold weather. i. Before cleaning, casts should be allowed to fully set for 24-48 hours, depending on its thickness. Dental stone does not fully harden until fully dry. j. If you need a quick photograph of this impression sooner, it is permissible to use your fingers to rub off some of the soil, but do not wash or brush the cast until fully dry. k. After drying, the cast can be washed and even submerged underwater and brushed with a soft brush to remove the soil. l. There are specialized methods of making casts in snow, including Snow Print Wax and Sulphur

Notes

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 2. Casting Procedure a. Use 2 pounds of dental stone in a zip-lock bag. b. Add pre-measured amount of water and mix for a minimum amount of three minutes. c. If impression has significant depth, such as over 1 inch deep, then the material can be poured in at one point and allowed to flow throughout the impression. d. If impression is shallow, then the material should be poured quickly from a point about 2 inches outside of the impression, so that the casting material flows ahead of the pour and quickly covers the entire impression. Pouring slow will result in damaged impressions. e. Always fill the entire impression with dental stone. f. As dental stone begins to harden, engrave impression identifier number and initials and date into top of dental stone. g. Carefully lift the dental stone after allowing sufficient time to harden (at least 20 minutes) h. Allow cast to dry overnight or longer before cleaning off adhering soil. i. A soft brush may be used in conjunction with the water the clean the cast after it has fully dried.

Notes

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011

Notes VI. GLOSSARY

Impression Evidence: Direct contact of a shoe or tire against a two or three-dimensional surface, resulting in the transfer of class characteristics and possibly individual identifying characteristics. 2-D Impression: one with no perceptible depth such as a bloody impression on a tile floor or a dust impression on a bank counter 3-D Impression: one with perceptible depth such as in soil, sand or snow Electronic Flash: also known as a strobe, it is used as a source of oblique light in conjunction with the camera Cable release: screws into shutter button to allow remote release and, thus, minimize movement at time of exposure Dental stone: A dry powder casting material made for the dental industry. It is a superior material for casting footwear and tire impressions in soil and sand.

VII. REFERENCE LIST

Bodziak, William, Footwear Impression Evidence, 2nd Ed. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL 2000. James, S. and Nordby, J, Forensic Science, An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL 2002. Saferstein, R, Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science; Seventh Edition, Prentice Hall, 2001.

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

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VIII. TEST QUESTIONS

1. Three-dimensional impressions in soil: A. B. C. D. 2. should be photographed only. should always be both photographed and cast. do not need to be photographed if cast. are of little evidentiary value.

Footwear impressions in dust or residue: A. B. C. D. are never worth recovering. cannot be photographed well. can yield valuable and detailed evidence if recovered properly. are too fragile to recover.

3.

Which of the following is an important and correct statement regarding photographing impressions in soil or and when outdoors in bright sunlight? A. B. C. D. Bright sunlight is the best light for photography A black cloth or other material must be used to shield the sunlight from the impression so the oblique light of the flash can be most effective Black and white film must be used Holding the flash close to the impression will create sufficient oblique light

4.

The best reason for BOTH photographing and casting three-dimensional impressions is that: A. B. C. D. each method backs up the other and together they maximize the amount information that can be recovered. one allows for better measurements. casts are more impressive in court. casts often break and then are useless.

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 5. Impressions in dust and residue often are latent under normal lighting, but can be located if: A. B. C. D. 6. the lights are dimmed and a high intensity oblique light source is used. sunlight can be let in a window a magnifying glass is used fingerprint powder is used

Dental stone, the best casting material for three-dimensional footwear and tire impressions can be purchased in many forms. When selecting dental stone for impression evidence, the most important quality or qualities you need to consider are (pick one only). A. B. C. D. The color The size of the container it comes in Whether it is soluble in water The compressive strength and water-to-powder ratio

7.

The best way to use dental stone for making casts of footwear impressions is to: A. B. C. D. prepare the dental stone in pre-weighed zip-lock bags so the exact amount of powder and water can be mixed. use about a scoop of dental stone and add to about 12 ounces of water. mix a large bucket of dental stone and then just pour all of the impressions at once. sift it over the impression and then add water.

8.

With regard to tire and footwear impression evidence, which is the most correct: A. B. C. D. Photographs always give you the most detail. Casts always give you the most detail. The original evidence, if it can be recovered, will always give the most detail. Impressions in sand and snow are the most detailed impressions.

9.

Which of the following is true? A. B. C. D. General scene photographs of shoe and tire impressions are not useful for physical comparisons with shoes and tires. A scale should be used in every close up photograph, so the photograph can be enlarged to a natural size for examination. Oblique lighting should be used in almost every two-dimensional and threedimensional close-up photograph of shoe and tire impressions All of the above

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Photographing and Casting Impression Evidence

LETN-160-0011 10. What quality/s should the camera you use for close-up photography have? A. B. C. D. The ability to focus the lens manually The ability to connect a detached synchronized electronic flash for oblique light A timer or a shutter release cable All of the above

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