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Tyre database provides investigative tool
Based at Papakura in Counties/Manukau, Glen joined NZ Police in 2002 bringing with him tyre tread pattern and vehicle specification databases he developed as part of his Master’s degree in forensics. “I’m interested in tyre track evidence but found there was a bit of a gap in New Zealand research,” says Glen. “There are books of tread patterns but they don’t fully cover what's found in New Zealand.” The tyre prints in his database are all found in New Zealand, including locally-made tyres, foreign tyres imported for retail, and foreign tyres found on imported vehicles. Each tyre image on the database is accompanied by a detailed description of key features. The process to identify tyre prints from a crime scene is deceptively simple – descriptions are matched using a ‘key word’ search function. “That normally narrows down the search to two or three matches. I then do a visual comparison of the images,” he says. Glen also has a database of tyre track dimensions for more than 3000 vehicles. “The distance between the tyres varies on most makes and models. For instance if there is more than one tyre track at a scene we can look at the dimensions to narrow it down to a particular type of vehicle.” He says the databases are most useful as an investigative rather than evidential tool. “They can be used to identify the type of tyre and possible vehicles that could have left the tracks.” Glen is also investigating tyre prints left on hard surfaces such as concrete. “UV light can sometimes reveal tyre marks on hard surfaces such as garage floors depending on the condition, protection from elements, and length of time the vehicle was parked there.” To date, Glen’s tyre print identification service has been used in a number of serious crime investigations including homicide and rape. “All I need is an image of the tyre print emailed or faxed to me. I can usually supply the make and model of the suspect tyre within 24 hours.” |
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