U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

General Guidelines for Photographing Footwear Impressions

NCJ Number
218724
Date Published
October 2003
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This report presents general guidelines for photographing footwear impressions to be used as forensic evidence.
Abstract
Standard operating procedures should include at least five steps: (1) locate the visible impressions to be photographed; (2) photograph the overall view of the area with identifying markers; (3) photograph the midrange view of the impression area with an identifying marker; (4) photograph a close-up view (instructions provided); and (5) prepare the photographic log or worksheet according to agency policy. The report also provides a listing of recommended equipment, which includes a professional, 35 mm camera with interchangeable lenses; a macro lens; a remote shutter release; and a variety of black-and-white and color negative film. The report notes that digital cameras should not be used to photograph footwear impression evidence until minimum resolution requirements have been developed.