All derivative (i.e. change in media; by compilation) work from this underlying U.S. Government public domain/public release data is COPYRIGHT © GOVPUBS

$3.00 first class shipping in U.S. and rest of world.

Includes the Adobe Acrobat Reader for reading and printing publications.

Numerous illustrations and matrices.

Contains the following key public domain (not copyrighted) U.S. Government publication(s) on one CD-ROM in both Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat PDF file formats:

TITLE: Trace Evidence, 62 pages (slides)

SLIDE TOPICS, SUBTOPICS and CONTENTS:

Trace Evidence
Trace Dry Stain
Collect Dried Stain Evidence
Locate using naked eye or ALS
Take notes, sketch and photograph
Don appropriate level pf PPE:
Gloves and Shoe Covers
Biohazard Mask
Safety Goggles
Collect Dried Stain Evidence
Collect entire article if possible
Cut out stains in large items
Include a unstained sample of item for stain cut outs
 If the item can not be easily cut or removed consider
Scraping stain
Swabbing

Scraping Method
Obtain a sterile scraper (razor).
Use bond paper that is folded into a pharmaceutical fold or folded paper placed in an envelope.
Use the scraper and scrape the dried stain into the paper.
Secure the paper and scraper.

Process a Dead Body for Trace
Conduct a visual examination of the exposed portions of the body and clothing.
Conduct a visual examination with high-powered lighting, and/or alternate light source.
Photograph and sketch all evidence.
Identify evidence requiring immediate collection.
Trace Liquid
ELO B
Collect Liquid Biological Evidence
Record in notes,  sketches, and photos.
PPE.
Determine collection method.
Collect and retain.
Use the Syringe/Pipette Method
Place syringe/pipette in center of spot     and suction up liquid.  Use only one     syringe/pipette per stain.
Dispense liquid into yellow or purple-    topped test tube.
Mark as appropriate.
Dispose of syringe/pipette as biohazard
Use the Swab Method
Obtain three self-contained sterile swabs.
    Secure swab temporarily in collection tube.
Collect sample of the surface similar to stained area (not to exceed 6 inches from the stain itself) for a standard using a second swab.
Obtain sterile water, wet the swab, and complete steps above in the event that the surrounding surface is dry.   
Use the Swab Method
Obtain a sample of sterile water (2 ounces) in a sterile cup for a standard.
Secure unused (third) swab in the collection tube as a standard.
Remove and dispose of surgical gloves before further evidence collection.

Collect Soil Samples
Plot on the sketch location where the soil samples were obtained.
Put on surgical gloves.
Obtain the appropriate containers.
Collect at least nine soil samples in a pattern that is consistent with Field Manual (FM) 3-19.3.
Obtain about 1/2 cup for each sample. Mark the labels with distance, direction, and depth.
Collect Soil Samples
Use  shovels to break dirt free if too hard.
Secure samples in appropriate containers.
Use mason jars to store contaminated samples.
Use pill bottles, specimen cups, or heat-sealed bags to store dry soil.
Let wet soil air dry, then treat as dry soil.
Remove and replace surgical gloves before collecting other evidence.
GUNSHOT RESIDUE
When a firearm is discharged, residue from the bullet, the casing, the propellant,  and the primer mixture is forced out the muzzle and other openings.
PRIMER PARTICLES
Primer particles are the most forensically significant of these various residues.
Primer particles have these characteristics:   
They are spherical.
They are 1-5 micrometers in diameter.
They contain the elements lead, antimony and barium.
They are “fragile”.


Human hair with GSR partical
FRAGILITY
The “fragility” of primer particles refers to the length of time they remain on the hands of a shooter.  Primer particles that “settle” on the hands of a shooter can be easily removed by washing, wiping, or just by ordinary motion.
PARTICLE METHOD
This collection method preserves the integrity of the individual particles.  These particles can then be imaged and analyzed for the presence of lead, barium, and antimony.
USACIL SEM/ GSR KIT
Tri-Tech Inc. has produced an SEM/GSR kit specifically for USACIL.  The kit contains gloves, directions, a form for the investigator to fill out, a seal, and 4 stubs in containers.
STUB IN CONTAINER
The collection stubs are labeled “right back”, “right palm”, “left back”, and “left palm” much like the test tubes containing the swabs in atomic absorption GSR kits.
OPEN STUB CONTAINER
The cap of the container serves as a holder for the stub.
STUB USED FOR COLLECTION
The stub is used to collect from the hand of a suspected shooter.
STUB AND CAP ARE REPLACED ON CONTAINER AFTER COLLECTION
The stub and cap are placed on the container after collection. 
STUBS PLACED IN ENVELOPE FOR SUBMISSION TO USACIL
After collection, each of the 4 stubs are returned to the envelope.  The GSR form is filled out by the investigator and placed in the envelope as well.  The kit is sealed and submitted to USACIL for analysis.

RIGHT PALM OF HAND
This is the area of the hand that should be stubbed with the stub labeled “right palm”.
LEFT BACK OF HAND
This is the area of the hand that should be stubbed with the stub labeled “left back”.
GUNSHOT RESIDUE SEM/EDX analysis
Performed within 12 hours on a living subject.
No time limit on a deceased person (bag hands with clean paper bags).

THE CIRCUMSTANTIAL NATURE OF GSR ANALYSIS
Even though GSR analysis is specific when SEM/EDX analysis is used, GSR evidence is still circumstantial.  The presence of primer particles on a person’s hands is not conclusive evidence that the person discharged a weapon.  The primer particles could have come from handling a weapon, having the hands in the close vicinity of a discharging firearm, or from the transfer of primer particles from a contaminated person or an object.

THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTAMINATION
 The presence of one unique primer particle on the hands of a subject can be discovered and reported.  Primer particles, like many kinds of trace evidence, can be transferred.  This leads to the possibility of  a subject being contaminated with primer particle(s) shortly before or during the time of collection.
AVOIDING CONTAMINATION
There are several ways to avoid contaminating a subject:

Always  wear gloves when collecting residue from a subject’s hands.
If possible, do the collection at the scene.  Avoid moving a subject to an area where firearms are discharged, stored, or cleaned.
If there is a choice as to who does the collection, choose the agent who has not discharged or handled a firearm recently.


Trace Fiber
Process a Dead Body for Fiber Trace
Collect evidence requiring immediate collection by taping, swabbing or scraping.
Protect evidence not requiring immediate collection.
Roll the processed side of the body onto a clean sheet.
Repeat steps on newly exposed portions.
Place clean paper bags over the hands and feet.
Collect Fiber Evidence
Locate fiber evidence with the naked eye or ALS
Photograph and document the location of the fiber evidence on the crime scene sketch.
Collect individual fibers using tweezers.
    (a)    Place fibers in an individual bundle.
    (b)    Mark and seal the fibers as             appropriate.
Collect Fiber Evidence
Collect fiber evidence in large or unknown areas by pressing transparent tape or hinge lifters on the surface.
    Place transparent tape, hinge lifters, or fiber     lifters on the  transparency.
    Seal the transparency in a paper envelope     and mark as appropriate.
    Use transparent tape or lifters on bodies to     collect fiber evidence before transport.
    Collect tapings from nearby areas for control.
Collect Fiber Evidence
Use an evidence vacuum as the final step to collect fiber evidence.
Seal, mark, and store vacuum contents as appropriate.
Initiate a Department of the Army (DA) Form 4137.
Package and store the fiber evidence for shipment to the USACIL.
PPE
Perspective
EAGLE PHOTO
Post Autopsy?
ALS
Tripod Use













Drug Analysis of Hair

Identify the need to collect hair samples for drug analysis after coordinating with the United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL).

Obtain consent from the individual or legal authorization.



Don PPE

Use tweezers to collect hair.
NOTE: Collect a bundle of hair about 5/8 inch in diameter and over 1 inch long. If other hair on the body is longer than the hair on the head, collect that hair.


Wrap the hair sample in aluminum foil, tape it to a 3- by 5-inch card, and mark and seal it in an envelope as appropriate.

Initiate Department of the Army (DA) Form 4137.
Submit the hair sample to the USACIL or direct to the recommended laboratory for analysis.