Physical Evidence Worksheet

1. When taking casts of a footprint, why should you pour the casting mix outside the print area, right next to the arch?

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2. If the soil is sandy and loose, what may be used to help bind it together before taking a cast?

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3. Why should you not remove soil and other matter which is stuck to the cast after it sets?

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4. What are the disadvantages of using photography for recording prints in snow?

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5. In your own words, describe the steps recommended for taking a cast from snow. Why is a method used for prints in soil not appropriate?

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6. List 5 things which may be learned from the study of a tyre tracks.

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7. If a footprint has a channelled edge what type of footwear is it likely to be?

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8. How is a dust-print lifted for further examination? What are the best conditions for this operation to work well?

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9. A forensic team is examining a set of tyre tracks. What factors can change the track width from those specified by the vehicle manufacturer?

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10. What are the 7  classes of hair characteristic which are used in identification?

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11. A bullet hole in  shop window glass has smaller diameter on the inside and the larger diameter on the outside. The shopkeeper claims that he was shot at by a hit and run gangster. Is he telling the truth?

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