Using microscopic techniques and microanalytical instrumentation, forensic scientists
can identify and compare small particles of various materials.
The Trace Analysis Section currently performs examinations on hair evidence only.
The capability of analyzing fibers, glass, paint, plastics, and fire debris (and
possibly gunshot residue, soils, or wood) is planned for the new Crime Laboratory.
Trace analysis requires dedicated space that is free from contamination caused by
other disciplines or activity and also requires space-consuming instrumentation
such as infrared and electron microscopes. Potential examinations might also include
an electronics discipline that could examine automobile headlamps, tail lights,
and CD or DVD players for determination of ON versus OFF.
Can I submit hairs from a burglary to identify my suspect?
If a suspect has been identified, and hair standards are available from that
person, a microscopic comparison of the samples can be made. If the crime
scene hairs match the known suspect hairs, confirmation by DNA may be
possible.
Does the Crime Lab analyze fire debris for evidence of flammable liquids?
The Crime Lab does not presently have the capability of performing arson
analysis. If the fire damage is greater than $25,000, there is an injury or
death, or there is somehow a crime against a person (not property only), the
evidence may be sent to the FBI Laboratory or ATF Laboratory. Vehicles
that are burned may also be included. Identified suspects or indications from
dog alerts also can help qualify a case for federal assistance.
Can broken plastic pieces found at a hit-and-run crime scene be linked to a
vehicle with a broken turn signal indicator?
Physically matching the pieces of a vehicle lamp to pieces found elsewhere is
an excellent way to establish that two separate groups of evidence were once
one item. This methodology is also useful for matches torn from matchbooks,
torn condom pieces, drugs packaged in magazine paper, antlers removed
from an animal carcass, and numerous other forensic situations.
