At some crime scenes there will be suspect shoe prints or tire treads that must be collected by the forensic investigator. If there is impression evidence of any kind at a crime scene, certain precautions must be taken. Once the scene has been secured, therefore preserving any evidence, anyone to enter the crime scene must walk the perimeter of the scene. The shoeprints or tire treads must be interpreted so as to help with the reconstruction of events. For example, where are the tracks leading? The impressions must then be marked with cones or cards for reference when taking crime scene photographs.

After being photographed, the impressions can then be collected in a number of ways, depending on the type and location of the evidence. The Electrostatic Dust Print Lifter can only be used on porous surfaces, and is a safe method to use as it is not damaging. White Adhesive is only used on non-porous surfaces (this is also used with chemical enhancement and fingerprinting). Transparent Adhesive is only used on non-porous surfaces and with fluorescent powder, however this can not be used on the original impression. White Gelatin can be used on any surface as long as it contrasts with an impression. And Black Gelatin can be used on any surface also. For casting deep footprints a mixture of dental stone and water is used.

When the prints or treads have been collected, they can then be compared using new computer technology available to forensic scientists. Two treads or two prints can be compared to one another. Or the impression evidence can be ran through the computer and compared to other prints on the databases available. The method of collecting and analysing impression evidence is a vital technique used widely.