Forensic tire tread evidence

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Forensic tire tread evidence records and analyzes impressions of vehicle tire treads for use in legal proceedings to help place a suspect at a crime scene [1] . Every tire will show different amounts of tread wear, and different amounts of damage in the form of tiny cuts, nicks, and scratches [2] . These unique characteristics will also show on the impression left by the tire.

Contents

History

This forensic technique was first invented in 1930 by David Chapman, a researcher affiliated with the Sheriff's Office in Los Angeles, California, in the United States [3] . A try-square would be placed on the ground around the tire mark to measure it. It was difficult to identify the tire just from a photograph, so they used calculations based on the camera position and other data to identify it. With the calculations, they were able to find size, make, car type, load, mileage, and where the car was driven [3] . In the 1930s to the 1960s, FBI analysts expanded from 1800 patterns of tire tread to include dimensions and characteristics [2] .

References

  1. ↑ "Tire Tracks". Crime Museum. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
  2. 1 2 Supporting Documentation for Department of Justice Proposed Uniform Language for Testimony and Reports for the Forensic Footwear and Tire Impression Discipline. Office of Legal Policy (Report). U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
  3. 1 2 "Tire "Fingerprints" to Trace Bandit Cars", Popular Science , 116 (2): 61, 1930, ISSN   0161-7370

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