trace evidence analysis Flashcards
trace evidence
microscopic quantities of material that are of probative value in a forensic investigation.
types of trace evidence
biological- (human)
physical- biological (non human)
particles, substances, marks/impressions
natural vs manufactured materials
forensic value
establish spatial and temporal links between persons and scenes of interest.
forensic process- trace evidence
transfer-> persistence-> collection-> analysis-> interpretation-> presentation
evidence dynamics
any influence that adds, changes, relocates, obscures, contaminates, or obliterates physical trace evidence , regardless of intent. transfer- during crime. persistence- after crime.
modes of transfer
one way- evidence is passed from one thing to another.
two way- evidence is dispersed onto multiple objects. reduces the chance that the trace evidence has been picked up innocently.
modes of transfer
direct- person touches the evidence
secondary transfer- person not at the crime scene but evidence has been transferred to them
how useful is trace evidence following transfer- 1. variation in transfer
amount and distribution of transferred evidence varies.
- variation in transfer- clothing
varies in composition and texture.
influences fibre shedding (creation of evidence). influences adhesion of other traces. eg nylon vs wool.
- variation in transfer- weather
local conditions affect transfer of environmental trace evidence (source). influences deposition of other types of evidence at the scene.
- variation in transfer- trace characteristics
particle size/ shape. glass- fragments (mm) or particles (um). pollen- different sizes and surface textures.
how useful is trace evidence following transfer 2. frequency
is the trace evidence easily transferred? how commonly is the trade naturally encountered. transfer is not a discrete event- pre and post crime transfers.
3 trace persistence- wear
loss of evidence over time. fibre persistence on different clothing items. similar trends with most traces (GSR, paint, glass). other types of trace evidence is more complex.
2 frequency- pollen
abundant in the environment. transport mechanisms- direct/ indirect transfer. present in most peoples hair, shoes, clothing. individual pollen profile.
2 frequency- glass
population studies- frequency in general populations. rarity amongst general public= forensic significance.
how useful is trace evidence following transfer 3. trace persistence
temporal dynamics of transferred evidence. how long is the evidence preserved for after crime events? impacted by source/ recipient, environment, evidence characteristics, initial transfer.
absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
3 trace persistence- offender activity
post crime activity may also contribute to loss of trace evidence- offender, bystander, police/CSI. eg washing burning, cleaning, vacuuming. packaging exhibits- loss or redistribution of evidence.
trace analysis
identified via class characteristics (colour, shape, RI) aim to establish points of similarity between samples- how rare. if properties differ= not from the same source. absolute identification often not possible- exclusion.
classifying evidence
morphology, optical, physical, chemical properties. general physical characteristics- mpt, bpt, RI, absorption and emission spectra (IR, vis, UV), density, molecular mass, colour, species characteristics.
classifying evidence techniques
non destructive- priority. physical eg microscopy.
destructive- further information. chemical eg chromatography, mass spectrometry.
depends on the amount/ value of evidence, type of crime, aims of enquiry, resources.
microscopy
the microscope is the most fundamentally important tool to trace evidence.
it analyses many types of evidence- 3D, microscope slide. surface analysis & look through objects. many times of microscopy.
stereo microscope
preliminary examination (30x magnification). segregate evidence from other material- substance type, size, form, colour, texture, appearance.
guides more in depth analysis. isolation of individual particles.
compound microscope
high power examinations (100-1000x mg) transmitted light= sample preparation. light from the base, through condenser & specimen. light passes through objective lens & ocular lens
scanning electron microscope
higher magnification (10x to 500,000x mg) often needed. samples gold coated. scans surface with focused high energy electron beam. secondary electrons detected= creates image. combine with chemical analysis (XRD, EDX, EDS).