Shoe prints have been used as a tool by law enforcement for over 200 years. In 1786, William Richardson committed a murder and, while trying to flee the scene, he walked into the swamp, leaving footprints on a path. Deputy Stewart took a print and noted that it was a rounded toe shoe and that the shoe would have studs on the sole. Every man at the funeral was required to have his shoes measured and inspected. This proceeding led them to Richardson, who attempted to deny any involvement, but with witness statements, shoe evidence and other traces, he was convicted of murder; he confessed to the crime before being executed (Chambers, 1832). This article will focus on locating, collecting and analyzing shoe prints. The most important thing at a crime scene is the evidence. Evidence comes in all sizes and shapes; it can be visible or latent, that is to say not visible to the naked eye. It is the responsibility of all personnel at the crime scene to find the person responsible for the crime, but it is the responsibility of the crime scene investigator (CSI) to locate, recover and examine all evidence left at the scene . Criminals leave behind certain types of evidence at crime scenes, such as fingerprints, prints, DNA or traces. “Whenever two objects come into contact, there will be a mutual exchange of matter between them” (James & Nordby, 2009). This means that a person will leave evidence and take evidence with them, without ever meaning to. Location The first responder's job is to assist the victim and secure the area. When cordoning off an area, it should be kept in mind that there is useful evidence outside of the area where the crime actually took place. For example, if someone was stabbed in a house and the spot... middle of paper ... able to enhance the footprints, we are able to track a suspect's movements at a crime scene. Works Cited Bodziak, WJ (2000). Shoeprint evidence: detection, recovery and examination. Boca Raton: CRC Press. Chambers, W. (1832, March 10). Edinburgh Chambers Journal. Retrieved from Maxwell Ancestry: http://www.maxwellancestry.com/ancestry/images/cej/0041.jpg Hilderbrand, D. (2013). The shoes, the failed proof. Retrieved from Crime-Scene Investigator: http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/footwear.htmlJames, SH and Nordby, JJ (2009). Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific Investigation Techniques. Boca Raton: CRC Press. Phillips, P. (2012). Shoe Proof and Theft Detection: Leave a lasting impression. Excerpted from The Graveyard Shift: http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/footwear-evidence-theft-detection-leaving-a-solving-impression/