Post University Waterbury CT All Rights Reserved Due Date 11

2021 Post University Waterbury Ct All Rights Reserveddue Date 11

Identify an area in your home where trace evidence such as hairs, fibers, soil, glass, or paint can be found. Collect samples from this area, such as dust bunnies, a portion of a rug, or swept-up debris. Examine the collected trace evidence and determine what known samples from your household (e.g., pet hairs, clothing fibers, soil from your yard) can be used for comparison. Write a short explanation of how this trace evidence could assist in a forensic investigation, noting how different types of evidence can link a suspect, victim, or crime scene.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Trace evidence in forensic investigations plays a crucial role in linking suspects, victims, and crime scenes. Everyday household items often contain various types of trace evidence, which professionals analyze to reconstruct events or establish connections. In this exploration, I examined a designated area in my home—specifically a corner of the living room where dust and debris tend to accumulate—and collected samples that could serve as potential evidence.

Using a vacuum cleaner, I collected a sample of dust and fibers from a section of the rug. Additionally, I swept a small area of the carpet and gathered loose debris, including dirt and small fibers. I also examined hair samples present on the collected dust. To determine potential comparisons, I identified household items for known samples: pet hair from my dog, human hair from myself, clothing fibers from a shirt I frequently wear, and soil samples from the yard outside my window. These known samples will serve as reference points for identifying the origin of unknown evidence in a forensic context.

The fibers found in the collected dust resembled synthetic fabric fibers similar to those from my clothing, suggesting possible transfer via contact or proximity. The pet hair was similar in color and texture to hair from my dog, which is common in households with pets. Soil present in the dust contained mineral fragments consistent with outdoor yard soil, which could be transferred indoors through foot traffic. When examining fibers and hair, forensic analysts use microscopy and comparison microscopes to scrutinize fiber type, color, and structural details. Soil, on the other hand, can be characterized based on mineral composition, color, and particle size through various analytical techniques.

This trace evidence can be invaluable in forensic investigations. For example, fibers matching clothing or pet hair can help place a suspect at a crime scene or link a victim to the scene. Soil evidence can corroborate testimony about outdoor activity or determine whether a suspect was present at a specific location. The transfer of fibers, hair, or soil from a suspect to a victim or vice versa can establish contact and movement, thus providing critical leads in criminal cases. Proper collection, preservation, and analysis of such evidence can significantly impact case outcomes.

In conclusion, everyday household trace evidence offers forensic investigators a wealth of information. By carefully collecting and comparing samples from known sources, investigators can establish connections that elevate investigative leads to stronger evidence in court. The simplicity of collecting such evidence in a home setting demonstrates how ordinary environments can become critical for forensic analysis, emphasizing the importance of meticulous evidence handling and comparison in criminal investigations.

References

• Baldwin, J., & Johnson, S. (2018). Forensic science: Fundamentals & investigations. Cengage Learning.
• Saferstein, R. (2015). Criminalistics: An introduction to forensic science (11th ed.). Pearson.
• Stophone, H. (2020). Trace evidence analysis: Techniques and applications. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 65(4), 1023-1032.
• National Institute of Justice. (2017). Forensic evidence collection and preservation. https://nij.ojp.gov
• Keijzer, A. (2019). Microscopic comparisons of fibers in forensic analysis. Forensic Science International, 301, 110-117.