Toolmark Forensics

How does Locard's principle relate to tool marks

• a tool can leave an impression of itself on another surface 
• tools are made so they do not leave marks behind
• When tools come in contact with an object nothing happens
• all of these

What is the first step an investigator should take when collecting toolmark evidence

• make a mold of the toolmark
• collect paint samples from in side the tool mark
• photograph the evidence
• put the tool into the toolmark and see if it fits

A shoe impression is left in paint at a crime scene. What type of impression is this?

• Visible

• Latent

• Plastic

• Lasting

A tire track is left sunk into the mud.  What type of impression is this?

• Patent
• Latent
• Plastic
• Lasting

Which of the following CANNOT be determined from a person's shoe impressions?

• Age
• Body weight
• Surface the person walks on
• Activities of the wearer

Class characteristics of shoe prints include:

• manufacturer, tread, model, and size
• color, material, scent, and scratches on the bottom 
• depth of tread, position, quantity 

Control marks made with a suspect tool for comparison to a crime scene toolmark will never be absolutely identical.

• True

• False

If a suspect tool is available at the crime scene it should be very carefully inserted into the toolmark to check for an exact fit.

• True

• False

When tools are found, they are collected and packaged together in containers or boxes and then taken to a laboratory for analysis.

• True

• False

Databases contain the names of specific shoe manufacturers and tread patterns used to identify different types of shoes.

• True

• False