Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/407623
28 Law Enforcement Technology November 2014 www.officer.com "Some work better in certain types of snow conditions." The most important thing for agencies to do is to practice. "It's really beneficial to practice the techniques," explains Hammer. "You can read about them and you can learn them, but when it comes to a crime scene it is not the best place to learn it. You'll approach it with more confidence and success if you take the time to practice the photography and espe- cially the casting before you're using it at the scene." Wolfe gives some additional advice on how to take the time to locate and document impressions well. When photo- graphing, make sure the scale is at the right level. If you don't use a tripod and camera, which is optimal, hold the camera right above the impression. Utilize placards and clear marking after isolating footwear and tire impressions. "In snow, you know there's got to be some kind of track," he states. "So take the time to look for those." Making the time and having the passion to look for and collect snow impressions can make the difference in a case. "In snow, you have a lot of opportunity to get informa- tion," Wolfe concludes. So when snow comes, be ready and when the suspect leaves his or her mark, locate it, collect it and put the bad guy behind bars. ■ Michelle Perin has been a freelance writer since 2000. In December 2010, she earned her Master's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Indiana State University. 908.852.3700 www.imt-government.com ■ Airborne Downlinks Airborne Repeaters Central Command Posts Mobile Command Vehicles Squad Cars Handheld Receivers ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ INVESTIGATIONS Circle 46 on Reader Service Card Coating the entire print with gray primer and using oblique lights brings out important detail.