FORENSIC

CHEMISTRY
and TOXICOLOGY
 Introduction

This module will serve as an alternative

learning material to usual way of classroom
teaching and learning delivery. The instructor will
facilitate and explain the module to the students to
achieve its expected learning outcomes, activities
and to ensure that they will learn amidst of
pandemic.
This material discusses one of the most
essential learning competency of Forensic
Chemistry and Toxicology Subject- Foot and Tool
Impressions. It includes the different methods of
 Overview

Traces left by a criminal in the form of foot

impression, tool impression and tire impression in cases
like theft, robbery, etc. The evidential value of an
impression made by shoe, hand, tool or other articles in
the theory that no two physical objects are alike and
hence that impressions made by such object often is
marked by uniquely identifying characteristics. A given
impression can only be produced by one object.
It is important to preserve the tool mark evidence to
obtain conclusive examination results. The best way to
preserve this particular type of evidence is by first
photographing it and by not allowing the suspected tool
to be inserted to the tool marks found at the crime scene;
 Moreover, Forensic footwear evidence can be used in
legal proceedings to help proved a shoe was at a crime
scene. Footwear evidence is often the most abundant form
of evidence at a crime scene and in some cases can prove
to be as specific as a fingerprint. Initially, investigators
will look to identify the make and model of the shoe or
trainer which made an impression. This can be done
visually or by comparison with evidence in a data base;
both methods focus heavily on pattern recognition and
brand or logo marks. Detailed examination of footwear
impressions can help to link a specific piece of footwear to
a footwear imprint as each shoe will have unique
 Finally, when an impression is found in the
crime scene the following order should be
followed. First, a photographed should be made
of the impressions, second, a Plaster cast should
be made. A photographed should be made of the
plaster cast were also consider. After a suspect
shoe has been recovered, the suspect shoe
should be photographed. Finally, a comparison
should be made between the photographed of
the plaster cast and the photographed of the
suspect shoe.
 Learning outcomes:

At the end of the chapter, you can:

1. identify the different methods of reproducing

impressions made on the soil;
2. apply the different methods in preparation for
impression;
3. differentiate foot from tool impressions; and
4. list down the steps to be followed when an impression is
found in the crime scene.
Specific Topics
a) Foot and Tool Impressions
b) Time Allotment (4 ½ hours -per sessions)
FOOT IMPRESSION AND TOOL IMPRESSION

 Traces left by a criminal in the form of foot impression,

tool impression and tire impression in cases like theft,
robbery, etc. The evidential value of an impression
made by shoe, hand, tool or other articles in the theory
that no two physical objects are alike and hence that
impressions made by such object often is marked by
uniquely identifying characteristics. A given
impression can only be produced by one object.

 Tool mark is defined as any impressions as any

impression, cut, scratch, gouge, or abrasion, or any
other marking left on an object by another harder
IMPRESSION

 A strong mark produced by pressure that goes

below the surface. A stamp, form or figures are
resulting from physical contact. It causes damage
to object. It causes damage to object.

 An impression print is made when a foot print is

left in the mud, sand or any other soft surfaces.
Generally, a plaster cast is made of the footprint,
and is then photographed. The photograph of the
cast is compared of the shoe in question.
IMPRINT

 a weak mark made by pressure that stays

on the surface.
MOULAGE

 a faithful reproduction of an impression with the

use of casting materials.

 It is admitted that moulage cannot reproduce all

characteristics of the object under all
circumstances but whatever is mission in a
moulage it can be supplied by the photograph.
CASTING MATERIALS

 It refers to any materials which can be changed

from a plastic or liquid state to
the solid condition.

For foot impression and tire impression, Plaster

of Paris is the best casting material.
Sometimes it is desirable to hasten or retard
the setting time of the Plaster of Paris.
Hastening – add one half teaspoonful of table salt to
the plaster.

Retarding - add one part of saturated solution of

borax to ten parts of water to be used in making the
plaster.

Hardening – to give a dried cast greater durability

and it can be placed in a saturated solution of sodium
bicarbonate and allow to remain in the solution for
sometimes. It is then removed and dried.
When an impression is found in the crime scene
the following order should be followed:

a.A photographed should be made of the impression.

b.A plaster cast should be made.

c.A photographed should be made of the plaster cast.

d.After a suspect shoe has been recovered the suspect

shoe should be photographed.

e.A comparison should be made between the

photographed of the plaster cast and the
photographed of the suspect shoe
PLASTER OF PARIS

 Although a number of materials can be used to make

a cast experience has shown that a plaster of Paris is
the most widely applicable particularly in outdoor
scenes. It is simple to prepare, provide a durable cast
and is capable of reproducing fine detail.

PREPARATION

 Before the evidentiary indentation or impression is

cast, the five noted order should be followed.
1. SPRAYING
If the receiving surface consists of a soft substance
such as dust, sand or flour a quick drying fixative such
as plastic spray or shellac should be applied prior to
casting. The spray should be directed against a piece of
cardboard and permitted to settle over the impressions.
When the fixative is quite dry, a fine layer of machine oil
should be sprayed over the surface to facilitate
separation of cast from the fixative.
2. MIXING THE PLASTER
An estimate amount of material required for an inch-
thick casts, should be made and a corresponding quantity
of water placed in glass, porcelain, or rubber container.
The plaster is then sprinkled evenly over the surface of
water. The plaster is now stirred thoroughly until the
mixture has the consistency cream. Plaster or water is
added to achieve a proper consistency.
3.POURING
The mixture is poured over the impression at a low level.
The fall of the liquid should be broken by means of a flat
piece of wood. When a depth of ½ inch is reached the
pouring should be interrupted and the cast reinforced by
lying on pieces of fine mesh wire or light pieces of wood.
The remainder of the plaster is then poured on the first
layer.
 SETTING
4.
The cast should be permitted to set for approximately
30 minutes. In hardening a plaster becomes warm and
subsequently colds on setting.
5. IDENTIFICATION
Before the plaster has been completely set it
should be marked by the investigator for
identification. The date, case number, and initials of
the investigator can be scratched on the upper
surface.
6. CLEANING
After hardening, the cast should be removed
and permitted to further dry for several hours. It
can be washed and lightly brushed to remove the
adhering debris.
CLASSIFICATION OF TOOL MARKS

1.Negative impression

 Made when a tool is pressed against or into a

receiving surface. This type of mark is usually made
when a crowbar is used to pry open a door or a
window.

2. Abrasion or friction mark

 Made when a tool cuts into or slides across a surface.

This type of marks may be made by a pair of pliers, a
bolt cutter, knife, ax, saw, drill, pane, or a die used in
the manufacture of wire.
3. Combination mark

 Is made when a crowbar is forcefully inserted

into space between the door and the door facing
and the door facing and pressure is applied to
the handle of the door open. The forceful
insertion of the crowbar produces an abrasion or
friction mark and the levering action produces a
negative impression.
TOOL IMPRESSIONS

Two General classes:

1.Those produced by such instruments like axe, hammer,

pliers and cutters which touch the area only once in
producing the impression.

a. Compression marks – produced by a single

application of tool in one area of contact. Example is the
impression of a single blow of hammer.
b. Friction marks- These are series of scratches or
striations produce by pushing a tool across the surface
such as those produced by cutters and axe.
2. Those produced by such instruments like
saw or file that is applied in repeated
strokes over the same area. It is hard to
identify since one mark over laps the other .
APPLICATION OF TOOL MARKS

1.Knife marks on bone

2.Fractured knife blades
3.Homemade explosive devices
4.Crimp marks on deterioration
5.Cut marks on wire
6.Pry marks on a window or door.
WHAT INFORMATION CAN A TOOL MARK
PROVIDE?

1.The type of soil

2.Shape of the cutting edge of a blade
3.Blade width
4.Color of the tool (based on the paint transfer
from the tool)
5.Class characteristics of the tool
6.Unique identifying marks
USES OF TOOL MARK EVIDENCE

Tool mark may be used to:

a.link a person who used the tool in the commission of

the crime, or some other acts material to the
commission of the crime;
b.establish whether a given tool or weapon found at
the crime scene has made a mark that is material to
the mark;
c.establish a connection between similar evidence
discovered in a series of crimes;
d.determine whether a door or window was forced
open from the inside or outside;
e. compare a tool mark from a crime scene
with a tool mark found on the property,
equipment, or vehicle of suspect; and

f. facilitate and narrow the search for a

given tool or weapon.
WHY ARE TOOL MARKS IMPORTANT IN THE
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION?

Tool marks are important in crime scene

investigation because you can tell what kind of tool was
used, and by that you can see if the suspect’s tools
match the tool mark.
Tool marks are usually discovered on doors,
windows and other openings that may have been used
by a criminal in their forcible, entry or exit. Particular
attention must be focused on broken, forced or cut lock
and the immediate area surrounding these fastenings.
Entire crime scene and its vicinity must be searched for
tool that may have been used.
 Whenever possible, submit the whole object
containing tool marks to the laboratory instead of just
the area containing the mark. If this is not possible
carefully photograph and sketch the area containing
the mark.
Casts of tool marks can be made by a person who
has had considerable experience in this work. Poor casts
are useless for comparison purposes and some marks
will be damaged if improper methods are used.
PRESERVATION AND PACKAGING OF TOOLS

Package the object containing tool marks so that no

alteration or damage will occur during shipment. Small
objects should be wrapped with clean paper and placed in
envelopes or boxes, while important areas or larger objects
can be protected with paper. Whole, large objects can be
packed in cartons or crates, if not delivered in person.
Test marks are made with the suspected tools on
material similar to those on which the tool marks are
present and compared with suspected tool marks are
present and compared with suspected tool marks by using
comparison microscope.
EXAMINATION OF TOOL IMPRESSIONS

Examination of tool impression is done by

comparative examination the purpose of which is
to determine or to show that the particular tool
made the impression in question.
THANK
YOU