Trace+Evidence

__**Trace Evidence** __ __**What is Trace Evidence? **__ Trace Evidence deals with the physical and chemical characterization of materials transferred between people or objects. This forensic evidence is  usually found in small quantities. From hair that falls off the victims head to carpet fibres that are tracked in on the soles of a shoe, combining’s of head and pubic hair, finger nail scrapings, glass, paint and gunshot residue play a crucial role in finding trace evidence. Analysis of trace materials usually begin with a visual examination of the evidence. Studies of real life murders have proved that forensic science "language" has shown how trace evidence has been used to solve these crimes. The analysis of trace evidence requires a thorough investigation of its' properties. Most trace evidence is miniscule, so investigators can't examine the evidence some sort of aid.

__**Instruments used when dealing with Trace Evidence **__ Lifting: Adhesive tape is repeatedly pressed down an item, gathering trace evidence  Scraping: A tool is used to dislodge trace materials from an item onto paper  Vacuum Sweeping: A vacuum cleaner equipped with a filter is used to recover trace evidence from an item or area.  Combing: A clean comb is used to recover trace evidence from the hair of a suspect  Clipping: Clipping a suspects nails to find trace evidence in the persons' finger/toenails  Comparison Microscope: An instrument that provides a comparison of two pieces of trace evidence  Microspectrophotometry: Gives the material and its light transmission, absorption, and reflection characteristics are accurately measured  Polarized Light Microscope: Shows details you cannot see under regular light.  Scanning Electron Microscope: Magnifies up to 100000 times the original item


 * || [[image:forensicsciencelaw12/Face-to-face.jpg align="left" caption="Face-to-face.jpg"]] Comparison Microscope ||

Scanning Electron Microscope

__**Education & Pay**__

Students wanting to become trace evidence examiners must first receive a Bachelor of Arts degree and a criminology major, which is a four year program. It is recommended that students are patient, curious, able to think laterally, and enjoy looking at details. Students should excel in math and science as both are necessary for the job. After receiving a bachelor of arts degree students can choose to specialize in trace evidence. Inexperienced forensic analysts can expect anywhere between $20000-$40000 per year. Experienced forensic analysts can expect anywhere between $80000-$100000 per year.

__**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Case Study **__ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Between 1979-1981 in Atlanta GA, Wayne Williams murdered at least 22 children. He was not a suspect until May of 1981. The Atlanta police had surveillance on a bridge near the site where the bodies of multiple children had been found. One officer said he heard a "big loud splash", but did not see anything. The police questioned Williams as he drove away from the river, he said he was going out of town, and gave the police his contact information. Two days later the body of a 27 year old male was discovered in the river, and the FBI found out that the contact information the officers received from Williams was fake. Nobody ever saw Williams dump any bodies in the river, but they discovered fibers on the victims that matched up with Williams' car, house and dog. Williams was arrested and eventually given life two life sentences.

__**Video**__ [|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vUBa6-FIEo]#

__<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bibliography __ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trace_evidence <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Williams [|http://www.all-about-forensic-science.com/trace-evidence.html] Houck, Max M. Trace evidence. New York Facts on File, 2009 print