MCCCD Program Description

Examination and Comparison of Tire Track Evidence

Course: AJS165

First Term: 2013 Spring

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

Description: Overview of proper methods and techniques used in examination, comparison and interpretation of tire track evidence. Discussions of history of tire track evidence, tire manufacturing, terminology, symbols, numbers, tread design and other identifying characteristics. Differences in tire designs and individualizing characteristics, examination and photographic documentation, and enhancement techniques . Practical exercises utilized to teach and critique the skills of the students.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. List important events in the history of tire track and tire treads. (I) 2. Describe the earliest case in tire track history. (I) 3. Describe how tire tread manufacturing has evolved over the years. (I) 4. List the basic elements of the nomenclature of a tire. (II) 5. Describe the evidentiary value of symbols and logos on tires. (II) 6. Define the terms used in describing various aspects of a tire. (II) 7. Describe the difference between tire tracks and tire treads. (II) 8. Define the terms used in the sidewall of a tire. (III) 9. Describe the location of DOT numbers. (III) 10. Describe the location of mold numbers. (III) 11. Describe the location of wear bars and wear bar indicators. (III) 12. Define the aspects of a quality examination photo (IV) 13. Define the terms used in various aspects of the manufacturing process. (V) 14. List the basic tire tread construction methods. (V) 15. Describe the different types of tire tread design construction and the potential importance it may have on the identification process. (V) 16. Describe how design features in tire tread designs are applied in comparative examinations. (V) 17. Describe how manufacturing techniques may contribute in the decision making process of an examination. (V) 18. Describe what the 3-T process is. (V) 19. Describe what is meant by pitch sequence. (V) 20. List and describe the types of characteristics used in the comparison process. (VI) 21. Describe and apply terminology related to the examination of tire tracks. (VI) 22. Describe how to apply Adobe Photoshop to the enhancement of tire track evidence. (VII) 23. Describe how the enhancement process can be valuable to the examination and comparison of tire track evidence. (VII) 24. Describe the elements of clear and concise case documentation. (VIII) 25. Describe proper collection and preservation methods for known shoes. (IX) 26. List methods for obtaining exemplars. (IX) 27. Describe the fundamentals of the procedures and principles of the comparison process. (X) 28. Distinguish between identification and individualization. (XI) 29. Describe the fundamentals and functions of ACE-V methodology. (XI) 30. List the types of methods of comparisons. (XI) 31. Distinguish between variations and distortions. (XII) 32. Describe the steps in the conclusion process.(XI) 33. Describe the SWGTREAD Guidelines. (XIII) 34. Describe the elements of clear and concise report writing. (XIV) 35. Describe the proactive case approach. (XV) 36. Describe the proper foundation for acceptance as an expert witness in the area of tire track/mark examination. (XVI) 37. Describe how to effectively present testimony in the area of tire track/mark examinations and identifications. (XVI) 39. Describe the different ways to prepare tire track/mark evidence for use as demonstrative evidence in a court of law. (XVI)
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. History of Tires, Tire Treads and Tire Tracks A. Introduction B. Early tires and tire treads C. Early tire cases D. Tire making machinery E. Modern tire manufacturing II. Nomenclature of a Tire, a Tire Tread, and a Tire Track A. Terminology B. Symbols and Logos III. The Sidewall Story A. Evidentiary Value B. DOT Numbers C. Mold Numbers D. Symbols and Logos E. Nomenclature of a Tire F. Wear Bars and Wear Bar Indicators IV. Image Quality A. Salvaging evidentiary value B. Proper documentation and collection V. Manufacturing Processes A. Introduction B. Tire Tread Construction C. Tread Design Manufacturing 1. Mold 2. 3-T Process 3. Manufacturing Terminology 4. Segment Molding 5. Clamshell Molding 6. Noise Treatment 7. Pitch Sequence VI. Comparison Terms A. Class Characteristics B. Manufacturing Characteristics C. Wear Characteristics D. Individual/Random Characteristics VII. Understanding Policies and Procedures in the use of Adobe Photoshop in the enhancement of tire track evidence VIII. Case Documentation A. Photo documentation B. Note taking IX. Procedures for taking Tire Exemplars A. Known Tires B. Exemplars X. Comparison Preparation A. Equipment B. Materials C. Environment XI. Decisions and Conclusions A. Procedures B. Identification v. Individualization C. ACE-V Methodology XII. Group comparison project XIII. SWGTREAD Guidelines XIV. Report Writing XV. Proactive Cases and Tire Print Databases XVI. Courtroom Testimony 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.