MCCCD Program Description

Documentation, Collection and Preservation of Track Evidence

Course: AJS163

First Term: 2013 Spring

Lecture 2.5 Credit(s) 2.5 Period(s) 2.5 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S- Standard

Description: Covers proper methods and techniques of locating, documenting, collecting and preserving footwear/tire tread impression evidence and courtroom presentation and defense of such evidence. Discussion of the history of track evidence, digital imaging resolution and other advanced photographic techniques, evidence enhancement and the interpretation of the relationship between the crime scene and evidence location. Numerous practical exercises utilized and implemented to emphasize and critique the skills of the students to properly perform this level of training in footwear and tire track science.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. List the main reasons why footwear and tire track evidence has value in an investigation. (I) 2. Define track evidence and its potential evidentiary value. (I, II) 3. Describe the major events in the history of footwear and tire evidence science. (II) 4. Define crime scene track evidence protection methods. (III) 5. List the main reasons why track evidence is overlooked or destroyed. (III) 6. Describe the meaning of the Locard`s Exchange Theory. (III) 7. Describe crime scene protection and search methods. (IV) 8. Define elements of crime scene documentation for tire tracks. (IV) 9. Differentiate between a track imprint and impression. (IV) 10. List four basic methods of track evidence recovery. (IV) 11. Describe the elements of digital imaging resolution. (V) 12. Describe the elements in the correct technique of photographing two and three dimensional tracks. (V) 13. Describe the methods for photographing a lifted impression. (V) 14. List the reasons for lifting a track impression. (VI) 15. Describe the methods for biological evidence enhancement. (VI) 16. Describe the benefits of casting an impression. (VII) 17. Describe the methods for using available casting substances. (VII) 18. Differentiate between ways to prepare footwear and tire track evidence for use as demonstrative evidence in a court of law. (VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. The Value of Footwear and Tire Track Evidence II. Track Evidence A. What is track evidence? B. History of footwear and tire evidence III. Why is This Evidence Overlooked? A. Crime scene investigators B. Attorneys C. Detectives D. Management IV. Protection of the Crime Scene and Crime Scene Searching A. Searching B. Four basic methods of recovery C. Crime scene track evidence V. Recovery Through Photography-Lecture A. Crime scene photography B. Quality examination photographs C. Highlighting D. Correct and incorrect procedures 1. two - dimensional 2. three - dimensional E. Photographing light-colored substrates F. Various types of surfaces VI. Recovery Through Lifting A. Adhesive and gelatin lifters B. Fingerprint powders and tapes C. Electrostatic dust lifting D. Impression media and collection charts E. Chemical development and enhancement VII. Recovery Through Casting A. Casting impressions B. How the casting material made C. Why cast D. Preparing a cast E. Helpful hints F. Batch numbers G. Casting in water H. Casting in snow I. Impression media and casting procedures VIII. Courtroom Preparation A. Preparation B. Exhibits C. Testimony

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: November 27, 2012

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.