Before you step under the tape, stop and study the tracks going into and out of the crime scene. Compare tracks to the tread pattern of those at the scene, and take care not to damage any tracks on your way in.

A trained tracker can see tracks on virtually any surface from carpet to hardwood floors, from grass to leaf litter. That means he can aid in the analysis of almost every crime scene, establishing movement of the players, how many people were on the scene, size and description of footwear, and many other useful facts.

Forensic tracking is an old skill applied in a new way to a crime scene. THaving trained trackers as members of your department has many other advantages as well. Trackers are also useful in trailing fugitives and escapees, drug lab/drug field surveillance and interdiction, pursuing jump and runners from high-speed chases, as well as traditional search and rescue operations.

From: Utilizing Track Evidence at a Crime Scene by Kevin Reeve