Marks left by the action of a tool or mechanism are examined: their shape, direction and features of the contacting part. Comparison is performed using specific submitted objects and suitable specimens.

Subject of examination

Pressure, cutting, sliding and separation marks
Damaged surfaces and fragments
Suspected tools and mechanisms

Sample questions for the expert

What type of action produced the mark?
Which features of the tool's working part were reproduced?
Are the marks suitable for comparison with the submitted object?
What data support or limit a conclusion about contact?

The final questions are formulated according to the objects and circumstances of the particular task.

What to prepare

The item bearing marks, without additional processing
Scaled photographs and documents about the discovery location
The suspected tool and information about its condition
Questions and information about subsequent actions affecting the object

How the examination is conducted

The formation mechanism and surviving features of the contacting surface are analysed. The need for comparison specimens is determined after assessment of the object.

Scope and limitations

The general type of damage does not establish a particular tool. Sharpening, repair or use after the event may alter significant features.

What the deliverable records

The report sets out established signs of the applied action, comparison results and identification limitations.

Cost and terms

from RUB 70 000. The exact cost depends on the number of objects, complexity of traces, need for comparative examinations or a site visit, urgency and the scope of the report.

The mechanism of the action and comparison with a specific item

The question of what action caused damage differs from the question of a particular tool. The first examines the shape, relative positions and nature of the reproduced features. The second requires comparison with the submitted item and assessment of trace suitability for that comparison.

To prepare the assignment, it is useful to state what is known about the event and which objects have survived. If the suspected tool is unavailable, this affects the range of possible questions. If it is available, information about its condition and use after the event matters: the contacting part may have changed.

Describe the damage to be examined in relation to the object as a whole.
Formulate a question about the nature and mechanism of the action.
Pose a separate question about suitability for comparison.
If the item is available, specify the task of comparing the trace with it.

Not every damaged area is equally informative. Material deformation, subsequent repair or several overlapping actions may make features difficult to distinguish. Significant areas and the reasons for limitations must be shown in the examination section rather than concealed behind a general answer.

It is useful to submit photographs and documents together with an explanation of the sequence of changes. If the item bearing marks was dismantled or repaired, specify which components have survived. The result must make it clear what has been established from available features, what has been checked through comparison and which assumptions have not received sufficient confirmation.

What is examined

Tool mark examination of traces of mechanical action: drilling, cutting, prying, forced entry, chopping, breaking, scratches, dents and damage.

The examination uses the submitted objects, traces, photographs, comparison specimens, case materials and the questions posed. Trace preservation, scaled documentation, packaging and information about the conditions of discovery are important.

Possible tasks

establish the presence, type and formation mechanism of a trace;
determine the direction, method and nature of the applied force;
assess trace suitability for identification;
compare a trace with footwear, a tool, a vehicle or an object;
detect signs of contact interaction;
prepare questions for court or a report review.

What to provide

objects bearing traces and comparison specimens;
scaled photographs of traces;
diagrams, procedural records, inspection reports, photographs and video;
an investigative order, a court ruling or draft questions;
information about the location, time and conditions of discovery;
the previous report, if a review is required.

Pricing

from RUB 70 000. The exact cost depends on the number of objects, complexity of traces, need for comparative examinations or a site visit, urgency and the scope of the report.

Inquiry

Send photographs of traces, documents or a description of the task

You may send photographs of traces, damage, locks, seals, footwear, tools or vehicles, a court ruling, an investigative order, draft questions or a report for review.

marks left by footwear, feet, clothing, teeth and fingernails;
marks left by implements, tools and mechanisms;
locks, seals, locking and sealing devices (ЗПУ);
vehicle traces and damage;
mechanical damage to clothing, knots and loops.

Type of examination Your name Contact phone number or email * Briefly describe the task * Attach photographs, documents or a report

Up to 10 files of 10 MB each. Preserve the source photographs and information about the provenance of traces; physical objects are transferred separately.

I give consent to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of considering and responding to my enquiry.

How data is processed: Personal Data Processing Policy. Attach only materials relevant to the examination; redact unnecessary data about other people.

Leave blank

For physical objects, it is important to preserve traces, packaging, storage conditions and information about the provenance of specimens.

Attachments: up to 10 files of up to 10 MB each, with a maximum combined size of 15 MB. If a file is rejected, the enquiry is not sent.

Marks left by implements, tools and mechanisms