Trace Evidence

Trace Evidence

Trace evidence left behind at a crime scene can be small, but yet very helpful. Trace evidence can be things such as hair, fibers, smeared fingerprints, tire tracks, shoe prints, foot prints. All trace evidence has to be photographed and then collected.

Trace Evidence (Cont.)

A detective may use tools such as vacuums, tape, special lights in order to collect trace evidence. A smeared fingerprint can be a type of trace evidence and it should be photographed and it can be lifted by using tape. The crime scene should be walked through several times before the detective releases it.

Trace Evidence (Cont.)

A footprint left behind in dust or powder can be good trace evidence, a special light may be used to highlight it. A footprint is like a fingerprint, no two people have the same footprint. At this crime scene the suspect left behind a footprint that was made when he or she stepped into some dust when entering the residence.

Trace Evidence (Cont.)

The investigator in charge of the crime scene should be very careful and make sure that no evidence is overlooked. The only people that should be at the crime scene is the needed personnel and they should sign a log book. The proper clothing should be worn when working a crime scene such as gloves and booties that fit over the shoes.

Trace Evidence (Cont.)

Blood can be another form of trace evidence. At a crime scene a person may cut themselves and leave behind a bloody handprint, fingerprint, or shoeprint. The suspect may cut themselves while searching for something or while harming the victim.

Trace Evidence (Cont.)

Hair and fibers are a great source of trace evidence. A laboratory can determine if hair left at a crime scene belongs to a person or animal. A criminal more than likely is in a hurry to get away from the crime scene and they do not stop and think of all of the evidence that they may have left behind.

References

Fisher, B. A. J., & Fisher, D. R. (2012). Techniques of crime scene investigation. (8th ed). Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis Group CRC Press.Osterburg, J. W., & Ward, R. H. (2014). Criminal investigation: Method for reconstructing the past. (7th ed) Scotch Plains, NJ: Anderson Publishing.Roberson, D., Wallace, H., & Stuckey, G. B. (2013). Procedures in the justice system. (10th ed). New York, NY: Pearson Learning.