Documentation of Shoe and Tire Impression Evidence

Physical Evidence Bulletin

California Department of Justice, Bureau of Forensic Services

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Purpose

The physical evidence bulletin is a guideline intended for law enforcement agencies to follow in order to submit evidence to Bureau of Forensic Services Laboratories. Physical Evidence bulletins are not intended to be used in lieu of training in the collection of evidence.

Tire and shoe impression evidence is commonly encountered at crime scenes in soil, snow, on counters, hard floors, doors, and paper. These impressions can be compared to suspect shoes or tires and may connect them to the crime scene. However, the evidentiary value of a comparison depends upon the quality of the impression, the manner in which it is recorded, and the length of time between the event and the acquisition of the suspect shoes or tires.

Read the Physical Evidence Bulletin:

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