Trace Evidence Revised Edition

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 eBook. Trace Evidence, Revised Edition 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 eBook is essential for students fascinated by this area of forensic science. Chapters include: What Is Evidence? Forensic Applications Hairs Fibers.

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 eBook. Trace Evidence, Revised Edition 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 eBook is essential for students fascinated by this area of forensic science. Chapters include: What Is Evidence? Forensic Applications Hairs Fibers.

Explores the microscopic world in which the forensic scientist works by addressing the issues of what constitutes evidence. Covers important methods of trace analysis, including spectroscopy and chromatography, and manufactured and natural fibers and the many ways in which they appear in textiles and are analyzed in the laboratory.

Praise for the previous edition: "Honor Book" (Science Grades 7-12 category)—Society of School Librarians International Blood, Bugs, and Plants, Revised Edition explores several core biological areas that have influenced modern forensic science. Entomology ("bugs") is a specialty that uses knowledge about insect life cycles to inform death investigations. Botany ("plants") is a specialty that looks at plant materials as evidence in cases. Occupying the largest part of this eBook, the "blood" section covers the identification of blood and body fluids (determining their origin as human or animal), DNA typing, and blood-spatter patterns. Blood, Bugs, and Plants, Revised Edition takes a look at an exciting area of forensic science. Each chapter in this fascinating eBook provides an overview that briefly introduces readers to basic concepts in forensic science, allowing them to understand how this biological science sheds light on issues in legal cases. The forensic science specialty of criminalistics is also discussed in this comprehensive resource. Chapters include: History and Pioneers Scientific Principles: DNA and Genetics Forensic Analysis: Evaluation and Identification Testing of Blood and Body Fluid Evidence Forensic Analysis: DNA Typing Forensic Analysis: Bugs and Plants The Future.

Using case studies, some of a high-profile nature, the contributors to this expert guide show how trace evidence, when handled correctly, can change the course of a criminal investigation and often affect the final outcome.

Covers new trace evidence techniques and expanding areas of analysis, along with key theory and applications Developed around the need for updated information in the disciplines of trace evidence the Handbook of Trace Evidence Analysis focuses on the increasing awareness and need for validation, modern methods for addressing and controlling contamination, the shift towards incorporating statistical analyses into the interpretation phase and cutting edge research into new forensic science methods and their application. Beginning with an overview of the topic and discussing the important role that information derived from trace materials can provide during investigations, the book then presents chapters on key techniques. The first being the critical nature of microscopy, and the methods employed for the recognition, collection, and preservation of trace evidence. Subsequent chapters review the core disciplines of trace evidence examination: paints and polymers, hairs, fibers and textiles and glass. Each chapter contains in-depth discussions on the origin of the materials involved, including any natural or synthetic processes involved in their production, the nuances involved in their detection, and the methods of analysis that are used to extract valuable information from samples. In addition, suggested workflows in method and testing selections, as well as addressing specific scientific challenges as well as the limitations of knowledge on the transfer, persistence and background abundance of trace materials are discussed. The book ends by examining the interpretation of trace evidence findings from a historical perspective and examining the methods that are currently being developed. Provides an in-depth introduction to the general area of trace evidence and discusses current and new techniques Consolidates trace evidence and materials categories of testing into one reference series Offers a detailed focus on technical approaches and guidelines to trace evidence Includes analytical schemes/workflows and valuable guides for the interpretation of data and results The Handbook of Trace Evidence will appeal to forensic science academics, students, and practitioners in the trace evidence and materials science disciplines, as well as DNA analysts, toxicologists, forensic anthropologists, crime laboratory managers, criminal justice students and practitioners, and legal professionals. It would also be a valuable resource for every crime laboratory reference library.

Covers new trace evidence techniques and expanding areas of analysis, along with key theory and applications Developed around the need for updated information in the disciplines of trace evidence the Handbook of Trace Evidence Analysis focuses on the increasing awareness and need for validation, modern methods for addressing and controlling contamination, the shift towards incorporating statistical analyses into the interpretation phase and cutting edge research into new forensic science methods and their application. Beginning with an overview of the topic and discussing the important role that information derived from trace materials can provide during investigations, the book then presents chapters on key techniques. The first being the critical nature of microscopy, and the methods employed for the recognition, collection, and preservation of trace evidence. Subsequent chapters review the core disciplines of trace evidence examination: paints and polymers, hairs, fibers and textiles and glass. Each chapter contains in-depth discussions on the origin of the materials involved, including any natural or synthetic processes involved in their production, the nuances involved in their detection, and the methods of analysis that are used to extract valuable information from samples. In addition, suggested workflows in method and testing selections, as well as addressing specific scientific challenges as well as the limitations of knowledge on the transfer, persistence and background abundance of trace materials are discussed. The book ends by examining the interpretation of trace evidence findings from a historical perspective and examining the methods that are currently being developed. Provides an in-depth introduction to the general area of trace evidence and discusses current and new techniques Consolidates trace evidence and materials categories of testing into one reference series Offers a detailed focus on technical approaches and guidelines to trace evidence Includes analytical schemes/workflows and valuable guides for the interpretation of data and results The Handbook of Trace Evidence will appeal to forensic science academics, students, and practitioners in the trace evidence and materials science disciplines, as well as DNA analysts, toxicologists, forensic anthropologists, crime laboratory managers, criminal justice students and practitioners, and legal professionals. It would also be a valuable resource for every crime laboratory reference library.

This title brings forensic scientists and chemists up-to-date on the latest instrumental methods for analysing trace evidence, including mass spectrometry, image analysis, DIOS-MS, ELISA characterization, statistical validation, and others. Illustrates comparative analysis of trace evidence by both old and new methods. Explains why some newer methods are superior to older, established methods. Includes chapters on analysis of DNA, ink, dyes, glitter, gun powder traces, condom trace evidence, footwear impressions, toolmark impressions, surveillance videos, glass particles, and dirt. Discusses applications such as mass spectrometry, image analysis, desorption-ionization on silicon mass spectrometry (DIOS-MS), ELISA characterization, and statistical validation.