Understanding Tool Marks

What is a tool mark?

• A dent in a metal surface caused by impact

• An impression, scratch, or abrasion left on a surface by a tool

• A fingerprint found at a crime scene

• A chemical residue left on a tool

Which of the following is NOT a type of tool mark?

• Impression mark

• Striation mark

• Scratch mark

• Fabric mark

What is an impression mark?

• A pattern left by a tool moving across a surface

• A fingerprint left by the suspect on the tool

• An indentation left when a tool presses into a softer material

• A residue left by the material on the tool

What is a striation mark?

• A mark left when a tool scrapes or slides across a surface

• A mark left by a tool pressing into soft material

• A residue left on a tool after use

• A mark created by a hammer

How are tool marks formed?

• When a harder tool scratches a softer surface

• When a soft tool leaves residue on a hard surface

• When a tool is pressed into concrete

• When two tools are used together

Which factor does NOT influence the creation of a tool mark?

• The shape and sharpness of the tool

• The type of tool used

• The person’s fingerprint on the tool

• The amount of force applied

Why is it important to take high-resolution photos of tool marks at crime scenes?

• To capture the detail of each tool mark for analysis

• To add more photos to the crime scene report

• To prevent casting of the marks

• To ensure the evidence is kept secret

What is casting in relation to preserving tool marks?

• Taking photos of the tool mark

• Lifting the tool mark with adhesive tape

• Creating a replica of the tool mark using materials like silicone or plaster

• Scratching the surface to see if a mark is permanent

When might a tool mark be lifted or removed along with the material it’s on?

• When the mark is too faint to be photographed

• When the tool mark is located on a mobile object

• When it’s impossible to replicate the mark in a lab setting

• When the tool mark is found on an immovable wall

How can tool marks help link a suspect to a crime scene?

• By identifying the type of tool used

• By matching the unique patterns of a tool mark to a specific tool found with the suspect

• By analyzing the suspect’s fingerprints on the tool

• By determining the brand of the tool