Non-Biological Evidence

Documents

Ink A small dot of the following 3 inks were placed on a piece of chromatography paper, 2 cm from the bottom of the paper. A – Generic permanent marker B – Expo dry erase marker C – Vis-a-Vis wet erase marker The bottom edge of this paper was then placed in a beaker of water for 30 minutes. The results are shown on the left. Make a statement about these inks.

Ink Every company and brand used a different ink formula. We can use chromatography to see different mixtures of ink. Paper chromatography is a process that uses special filter paper to separate and identify the different substances in a mixture. How chromatography works: Movement on paper Heavy (large) molecules stay near the bottom of the paper vs light (small) molecules move towards the top of the paper Detect different mixtures of ink Can also use mass spectrometry to detect different ink mixtures.

Forgery The act of duplicating a signature, work of art, check, bank notes, or (legal) documents. Generally forgeries are made for profit of the forger. Document experts will examine inks, paper types and composition, chemical reactivity (if possible), carbon dating/aging.

Counterfeiting Go to https://moneyfactory.gov/uscurrency.html You will be looking at the various security features that exist in our US currency. How does Counterfeiting affect our economy? For each feature describe the safety feature and explain how it deters counterfeiting of the bill ie what makes this security feature difficult to reproduce and on which denominations of currency this feature can be found: Security Feature Description & Interesting Facts How it Deters Counterfeiting Currency Denomination 3D Security Strip   Color Shifting Ink Serial Number Micro-printing

Handwriting Obtain a handwriting sample and the handwriting characteristics chart. Using the chart with the twelve characteristics, choose which of the known samples matches the unknown sample at the top of the page. Use at least five characteristics to explain/describe how you know the samples match.

Criminal Profiling

Stages of Criminal Profiling

Stages of Criminal Profiling

Victimology The study of every aspect of the victim or victims life(s). Studying the victim(s) can often give profilers an insight into the criminal.

Impression Evidence

Classification of Impressions Patent – Visible 2D impression evidence, made in paint, blood, liquids, etc. Plastic – Visible 3D impression evidence, made in mud, clay, snow, etc.. Latent – Impressions than cannot be detected without development.

Examples of Impression Evidence used in court Bite Marks Dental records are extremely well kept. Every persons teeth are unique and the structure of each persons bite is also unique. As unique as your DNA or a fingerprint Shoeprints Can determine general height and shoe side of an individual Can also determine the brand of shoe. Each major shoe brand has its own tread pattern, ex. Converse, Vans.

Types Impression Evidence Tire Impressions Each tire tread is unique to each company and sometimes to a specific car make/model/year

Types Impression Evidence Tool Marks

Types Impression Evidence Signatures and forgeries are NOT impression evidence.