TOOL MARKS AND OTHER IMPRESSIONS 1 Tool Marks

TOOL MARKS, AND OTHER IMPRESSIONS 1

Tool Marks A tool mark is considered to be any impression, cut, gouge, or abrasion caused by a tool coming into contact with another object. A careful examination of the impression can reveal important class characteristics, such as the size and shape of the tool. But it is the presence of any minute imperfections on a tool that imparts individuality to that tool. The shape and pattern of such imperfections are further modified by damage and wear during the life of the tool. Criminalistics, 10 e Richard Saferstein © 2011, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1995 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. 2 17 -

Tool Marks The comparison microscope is used to compare crimescene toolmarks with test impressions made with the suspect tool. When practical, the entire object or the part of the object bearing the tool mark should be submitted to the crime laboratory for examination. Under no circumstances must the crime scene investigator attempt to fit the suspect tool into the tool mark. Any contact between the tool and the marked surface may alter the mark and will, at the least, raise serious questions about the integrity of the evidence. Criminalistics, 10 e Richard Saferstein © 2011, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1995 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. 3 17 -

Other Impressions of other kinds, such as shoe, tire or fabric impressions, may be important evidence. Before any impression is moved or otherwise handled, it must be photographed (including a scale) to show all the observable details of the impression. If the impression is on a readily recoverable item, such as glass, paper, or floor tile, the evidence is transported intact to the laboratory. If the surface cannot be submitted to the laboratory, the investigator may be able to preserve the print in a manner similar to lifting a fingerprint. Criminalistics, 10 e Richard Saferstein © 2011, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1995 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. 4 17 -

Other Impressions When shoe and tire marks are impressed into soft earth at a crime scene, their preservation is best accomplished by photography and casting. In areas where a bloody footwear impression is very faint or where the subject has tracked through blood leaving a trail of bloody impressions, chemical enhancement can visualize latent or nearly invisible blood impressions. Criminalistics, 10 e Richard Saferstein © 2011, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1995 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. 5 17 -

Points of Comparison A sufficient number of points of comparison or the uniqueness of such points will support a finding that both the questioned and test impressions originated from one and only one source. New computer software and web sites may be able to assist in making shoe print and tire impression comparisons. Also, bite mark impressions on skin and foodstuffs have proven to be important evidence in a number of homicide and rape cases. Criminalistics, 10 e Richard Saferstein © 2011, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1995 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. 6 17 -

Review Questions: Explain how a suspect tool is compared to a tool mark. Name two types of marks that impart individuality to a tool and explain how the marks are made. Explain the forensic significance of class and individual characteristics to the comparison of impressions. What techniques does an investigator use to analyze tool marks that cannot be removed from a crime scene? What is the disadvantage of this technique? List some common field reagents used to enhance bloody footprints. What is the procedure used to create a shoe impression? What is Treat. Mate? How is this used during CSI? What is the first thing the investigator does before handling or moving any impression at a crime scene? Why is this considered merely a backup or precautionary procedure? What kinds of impression evidence might a forensic odontologist be © 2011, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1995 Pearson Higher Education, Criminalistics, 10 e asked a suspect? Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. Richard Saferstein to analyze? How might this help identify. Upper 7 17 -

Group Notebook Activity: Casting Shoe Impressions Materials: shoe box partially filled with soil, a can of aerosol hair spray with a lacquer base (spraying the lacquer carefully over the impression will harden it) and varying shoe styles & sizes. Using the instructions from the book and class notes; create 6 -8 shoe impressions (Use different shoe sizes and shoe types. Then chart the (class & Individual) characteristics that would be identified by a forensic scientists for each impression. Place the impression chart in your CSI notebook. Criminalistics, 10 e Richard Saferstein © 2011, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1995 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. 8 17 -

Group Notebook Activity: Tire Impressions Document (using photography) 6 -8 tire mark impressions from various locations in your school, neighborhood or community. Then chart the (class and/or Individual) characteristics that would be identified by a forensic scientists for each impression. Place the Tire Impression chart in your CSI notebook. Criminalistics, 10 e Richard Saferstein © 2011, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998, 1995 Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. • All Rights Reserved. 9 17 -