Trace Evidence

(Photo Credit: FBI)

What is Trace Evidence?

The National Institute of Justice notes that trace evidence is one of the most diverse forensic disciplines because it includes the analysis of hair, fiber, paint, glass, soil, and other particulate matter. Trace evidence analysis can also include the analysis of botanical material, arson/fire debris, explosives, and/or impression evidence.

By definition, therefore, a trace evidence examiner will be called upon to analyse a wide variety of evidence and as such will be proficient in such things as microscopy, spectroscopy, photography, and other analytical instrumentation.

Trace Evidence Video

Insightful video featuring Dr. Richard Saferstein, the former chief forensic scientist at the New Jersey Police Laboratory; who addresses the following questions:

Essential Trace Evidence Reading

Trace Evidence by Max M. Houck

Book Information

Evidence that can barely be seen with the naked eye routinely plays a crucial part in the search for - and the conviction of - some of the most dangerous criminals known to society. From the hairs of a dog to tiny fiber fragments, forensic analysts study these trace materials and interpret them for use in legal proceedings. Hairs and fibers are two of the most commonly found types of trace evidence and the focus of this book.

Trace Evidence explores the microscopic world in which the forensic scientist works by addressing the issues of what constitutes evidence; important methods of trace analysis, including spectroscopy and chromatography; human and animal hairs and what can be determined by examining them; and manufactured and natural fibers and the many ways in which they appear in textiles and are analyzed in the laboratory. Written by a well-respected author with extensive knowledge in the field, this book is essential for students fascinated by this area of forensic science.

See following link for more details:

Trace Evidence (Essentials of Forensic Science)

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