What tool is used to collect footwear prints from a crime scene?

The use of an electrostatic dust lifter is highly effective for collecting footwear prints from a crime scene due to its ability to lift impressions that may not be visible to the naked eye or that are too delicate to be collected using traditional methods. This tool employs electrostatic charge to attract dust and particulate matter from the surface where the footprint is found, allowing for the collection of fine detail without damaging the substrate or the impression itself.

Footwear impressions can sometimes be faint or on surfaces that are not conducive to collection using other tools, making the electrostatic dust lifter particularly useful in forensic investigations. It can collect even the most subtle prints on varied surfaces, which is crucial for accurate evidence gathering in crime scene analysis. This capability highlights its significance in forensic investigations relating to footwear evidence, providing a clear and effective means of preserving important details needed for analysis and comparison.