Trace Evidence Essay Example

and/or victims. Characteristics examined include color, length, shape, cuticle, cortex, and medulla.Through forensic analysis, it is possible to gather valuable information about a suspect using hair evidence. While it may not provide specific identification, attributes such as race, sex, body region, and even an estimate of the last haircut can be determined. Another type of trace evidence, glass, can also be utilized in linking a suspect to a crime scene. When larger samples are available, "fracture matches" can be performed by physically fitting pieces of glass from the crime scene with those associated with the suspect. Even tiny fragments of glass found on a perpetrator's clothing can be examined under a microscope and characterized using "refractive index" determination. This measurement assesses how light is bent as it passes through the microscopic glass sample, providing further insight into its composition and purpose.Samples can be compared to determine if the glass from the crime scene could match the glass found on the suspect's clothes. Paint is another type of trace evidence that can be collected during burglaries or car collisions. Forensic Scientists conduct tests on these samples, even if they are small in size. These tests involve low power magnification to determine color, layer sequence, thickness, and texture of the paint. If the questioned and known paint samples appear similar, analytical chemical and instrumental examinations are conducted. These tests provide further characterization of the paints to determine if they have a common origin. Fiber examination is another type of trace evidence that focuses on the transfer of clothing fibers between individuals or between a suspect and the environment at a crime scene. Similar to paint analysis, questioned

and known fibers are examined and compared using microscopic and analytical instrumental techniques.Fiber analysis is a valuable tool in criminal investigations and prosecutions. While individual fibers cannot be definitively linked to a specific garment or fabric, finding fibers with similar characteristics (composition, color, shade, and shape) on a suspect, alongside known fibers from the crime scene, can provide significant evidence. In fact, fiber analysis has often revealed that a person's body was likely transported in a car trunk. Arson investigators also rely on trace evidence, specifically flammable liquids, to determine if a fire was intentionally started. By collecting samples from the burned area and submitting them for analysis, arson examinations can determine if accelerants were used. Even tiny amounts of petroleum residues can be found in burned debris, which supports the argument that deliberate arson took place. Lastly, fingerprints are another form of trace evidence that can be examined by forensic scientists. They analyze items submitted to them and process crime scenes in order to locate usable fingerprints.

The labs utilize traditional fingerprint methods such as dusting powders, ninhydrin solutions, and "Superglue" techniques. They also employ advanced detection technology like laser lighting and computer enhanced imaging. These modern techniques are especially useful for examining faint latent prints, smudged prints, prints on multicolored surfaces, and blurry surveillance photos. They are also valuable in analyzing other photos that would otherwise be considered useless. Trace evidence plays a significant role in forensic science and is crucial for identifying criminals. One of the greatest advantages of trace evidence is that its deposition often goes unnoticed. However, its importance should not be underestimated, as demonstrated in the article. Various

scientific techniques are used to analyze trace evidence, as shown above.