Who should footwear impressions be obtained from at a crime scene?

Obtaining footwear impressions from individuals who may have unintentionally stepped in fluids at a crime scene is crucial because their movements could inadvertently alter or contaminate evidence. EMTs or first responders, for example, might enter a scene to provide medical assistance and could leave behind trace evidence in the form of footwear impressions. By capturing impressions from these individuals, investigators can identify and compare them against any impressions found at the scene, aiding in reconstructing the events that unfolded.

While footwear impressions from suspects, witnesses, and law enforcement personnel might also be relevant, the priority is on those who could have unknowingly altered the crime scene. Collecting impressions from those who may have interacted with the scene in a way that affects the evidence is vital to maintaining the integrity of the investigation.