Answer :
Final answer:
A latent footwear mark should be meticulously photographed and lifted using appropriate techniques for forensic analysis. It can be analyzed by experts to match with known footwear patterns and reveal details about the suspect.
Explanation:
When dealing with a latent footwear mark, you follow procedures similar to those for processing other types of forensic evidence. A latent mark is one that is not readily visible to the bare eye. In the context of crime scene investigation, one must first carefully photograph the mark with a scale in all directions to ensure that it can be analyzed in detail at a later stage. Afterward, depending on the surface and the type of mark, various lifting techniques can be employed. For example, the use of electrostatic dust lifting devices, gel lifters, or casting materials if the mark is three-dimensional. The goal is to preserve the fine details of the tread pattern and other distinguishing features that may be crucial for forensic comparison and matching with a suspect's footwear. Once the mark is lifted or otherwise recorded, it is analyzed by forensic experts who compare it with known footwear patterns to identify potential matches. The examination can provide invaluable information about the suspect, such as shoe size, type, brand, and even the wear pattern that might suggest unique characteristics of the individual's gait or weight distribution.