Trace Evidence (Part I)

Summary Microscopic Analysis Types of Trace Evidence Glass Hair (fur) Fibers Paint Soil Gunshot Residue

What is Trace Evidence? Loosely defined, trace evidence is small evidence used to link victims, suspects, objects, and crime scenes. Trace analysis uses microscopes and other instrumentation. Other sections (Drugs, Firearms) also use microscopes.

Microscopic Analysis Who analyzes trace evidence? Labs sections are arranged differently in different labs. Different evidence could be assigned to different sections (hair:biology, fiber:chemistry) Some labs have trace or microscopy sections.

Using the Microscope Microscope magnifies sample. Trace > Microscopes Using the Microscope Microscope magnifies sample. Also can look at more detailed traits of samples. Many different types of microscopes are used.

Microscope terminology Trace > Microscopes Microscope terminology 3-D object vs. Microscope slide 3-D object: put any object under the mic Slide: requires preparation Surface analysis vs. Look through object Surface: Looking at surface of object (normal) Or can shine light through transparent sample

Microscope terminology Trace > Microscopes Microscope terminology Reflected light vs. Transmitted light Refected: bounces off object (normal light) Transmitted: passes through object

Stereo Binocular Microscope Trace > Microscopes Stereo Binocular Microscope Look at 3-D objects Usually look at surface Usually use reflected light

Stereo Binocular Microscope Trace > Microscopes Stereo Binocular Microscope Preliminary search of objects (clothes) for small fibers, hairs, etc. Look at paint chip layers, measure fibers, bullet striations, etc.

Compound Microscope Can be binocular or one ocular Trace > Microscopes Compound Microscope Can be binocular or one ocular Look at transparent object on prepared slide Look through object Use transmitted light

Compound Microscope Analyze fibers, hair, glass for optical traits. Trace > Microscopes Compound Microscope Analyze fibers, hair, glass for optical traits. Biological samples for sperm cells

Key terms: Ocular lens Lens in the eyepiece Trace > Microscopes Key terms: Ocular lens Lens in the eyepiece Objective lens Lens above the sample

Key terms: Ocular lens Lens in the eyepiece Trace > Microscopes Key terms: Ocular lens Lens in the eyepiece Objective lens Lens above the sample

Trace > Microscopes Key terms: Micrometer - “ruler” in the eyepiece, allows for measurement of sample. Magnification - Amount the object is enlarged Working Distance - Distance between the object and objective lens

Polarized Light Microscope (PLM) Trace > Microscopes Polarized Light Microscope (PLM)

Polarized Light Microscope (PLM) Trace > Microscopes Polarized Light Microscope (PLM) Takes advantage of the optical properties of glass, crystals (chemicals), and fibers. Sample absorbs light differently depending on its orientation in polarized light.

Comparison Microscope Trace > Microscopes Comparison Microscope

Comparison Microscope Trace > Microscopes Comparison Microscope An optical bridge allows viewing of evidence side by side. Useful for comparing bullets, fibers, hair…

Summary of Trace Why is trace evidence useful? Collecting trace evidence Types trace evidence: Glass Hair (fur) Fibers Paint Soil Gunshot Residue

Can link objects and people. Trace Why is Trace Evidence Useful? Object Location Victim Suspect Can link objects and people.

Object Trace evidence on hammer may include: Trace Blood/Tissue from Victim Blood/Fingerprints from Suspect Fibers from Rug in van

Location Trace evidence on rug may include: Trace Blood/Tissue from Victim Blood from Suspect

Victim Trace evidence on Victim may include: Trace Blood/Semen from Suspect Fibers from Rug in van

Suspect Trace evidence on suspect may include: Trace Blood/Tissue from Victim Fibers from Rug in van

How is Trace Evidence Transferred? Locard Exchange Principle: Whenever there is contact between two objects, they will leave or pick up debris from the other object. During a crime, there is always be a transfer of evidence. The difficulty is finding & collecting this evidence.

Collecting Trace Evidence Who collects the evidence? Police Officer Crime Scene Investigator Forensic Scientist Depends on the state/community Often one person to ensure consistency of labeling

Collect trace or entire object? Trace > Collecting Collect trace or entire object? Suppose a glove appears to have glass, fibers and blood on it. Should the glass, fibers and blood be removed and packaged separately? Should the entire glove be packaged?

Considerations before packaging entire object: Trace > Collection Considerations before packaging entire object: Object may be too large or difficult to move Trace evidence may fall off item during transport. Trace Evidence may be transferred to different, irrelevant area of object. If packaging object, package objects separately. Prevents trace being transferred to other objects.

Suspect’s clothes had tar on the knees of pants. Trace > Collection NEVER package known material with evidence. Example in book: Suspect’s clothes had tar on the knees of pants. His clothes were collected at the station. Tar was collected at the crime scene. The clothes and the tar were packaged in the same bag. Whoops!

These 3 methods can be done at the crime scene or in the crime lab. Trace > Collection These 3 methods can be done at the crime scene or in the crime lab. 1. Visual Inspection 2. Tape Lift 3. Vacuum

Visible Inspection Use naked eye or hand lens. Trace > Collection Visible Inspection Use naked eye or hand lens. Evidence removed and packaged for later analysis Use bright light and forceps to collect.

Visible Inspection (Packaging) Trace > Collection Visible Inspection (Packaging) Small paper envelopes are bad (Holes allow small objects to escape). Use small plastic bags, glass vial or paper using a druggist fold. Double package. Label each package.

Tape Lift Clear tape is used. Trace > Collection Tape Lift Clear tape is used. Repeatedly apply tape to small area until most of the stickiness is gone. Tape is folded back upon itself, taped to a glass slide or taped to a piece of plastic. Put in separate labeled container. Be sure to document specific area covered.

Vacuuming Nozzle should be short and transparent. Trace > Collection Vacuuming Nozzle should be short and transparent. Debris is collected on a filter or membrane

Vacuuming Small area is vacuumed. (Filters changed frequently) Trace > Collection Vacuuming Small area is vacuumed. (Filters changed frequently) Filters packaged in separate labeled container. (Be sure to document specific area covered) Most improperly used method because it often results in the collection of a lot of irrelevant material.

What is the purpose of analysis? Trace > Analysis What is the purpose of analysis? To identify the source of the collected evidence. Fiber recovered from victim. Source: Matches fibers from rug in suspect’s van Soil found on Suspect’s shoe Source: Matches soil at crime scene Blood found on suspect’s couch Source: Matches blood of victim

Trace > Analysis The Catch: With trace evidence, an investigator usually cannot say that one piece of evidence definitely originated from a specific item. The investigator can only tell the jury what similarities were found and give them an idea of how rare those similarities are.

Classifying Evidence: Trace > Analysis Classifying Evidence: Most trace evidence is classified using class characteristics (color, shape, refractive index, etc.) When examining class characteristics, absolute identification is not possible. The Forensic Scientist’s main objective is to give the jury an idea about how rare the category is.

Classifying Evidence: Trace > Analysis Classifying Evidence: If physical properties differ, they did not come from the same source. Exclusion is possible.