Forensic Trace Evidence Examinations - Essay Example

Forensic trace evidence examinations are a very important aspect of forensics. One reason that Forensic trace evidence examinations have played an important part in forensics is because it has helped to solve thousands upon thousands of crimes. Just when all was thought to be hopeless, as far as discovering a criminal was concerned, something as minute as a simple fiber linked a suspect to the victim or scene of the crime (State of Michigan, 2001-2009; Steck-Flynn, 2010). Forensic trace evidence examinations has enabled the families of these victims to rest, as they had peace of mind knowing that the criminals responsible are finally receiving the due punishments that they deserve. Another reason that forensic trace evidence examinations have played an important role in forensics is because it has enabled victims who cannot speak for themselves to be represented. Those who are mute are a primary example of those who may not be able to speak for themselves because if they find themselves in a situation where the technology that they use to speak is not present or where there is no interpreter, they will not be able to make their thoughts and feelings known. This makes them a much easier targets for criminals, hence the reason that it is a good thing that Forensic trace evidence examinations can be used to represent them (Houck, 2001). In order to have a complete analysis of Forensic trace evidence examinations, it is important to look at both the benefits and flaws of this element of forensics. First, we will look at the benefits of forensic trace evidence examinations. One of the best benefits to utilizing forensic trace evidence examinations is that they enable a forensic expert to look beyond what is obvious. The way that this is done is that various specialized instruments are used, such as specific microscopes that are designed to be used in the analysis of even the smallest particles, a micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (this is used to analyze various chemicals, such as paints and other synthetics.), a Scanning Electron Microscope (this is a sophisticated digital microscope that goes beyond the capability of even the most supreme microscope on the market.), and a Pyrolysis Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (This instrument is used to identify and analyze various polymers.). Having these instruments at hand has played a major role in enabling forensics experts to solve even the most complicated crimes down to using the last follicle, making it all the more difficult for criminals to go unpunished (Westchestergov.com, 2008). Being able to look beyond the obvious has also decreased the chances of innocent people being convicted of crimes that they have not committed, since this detailed analysis enables experts to be more accurate with their conclusions concerning which suspects are actually linked to the victims and the crime scenes. Another benefit to forensic trace evidence examinations is that the exact weapon that was used to commit the crime can be identified. There are various ways that this can be done. For instance, gun shells and gun residue can be used to determine what kind of gun was used, as well as the caliber (OConnor, 2006). Forensic trace evidence also enables forensic experts to use hair fibers and other fibers that can transfer from victim to criminal or from criminal to victim while the crime is being committed. Such fibers usually transfer when a struggle ensues. Just when a criminal thinks that he has disposed of everything that may incriminate him, there is always that piece of hair or that piece of clothing fiber that will link him to the scene of the crime and to his victim (State of Michigan, 2001-2009; Steck-Flynn, 2010). While forensic trace evidence examinations have many benefits, these also have some flaws. One notable flaw that needs to be deeply considered is in regards to fibers. While fibers have been a major factor in determining who has committed a crime, they are not always accurate, as they are not unique. Concerning this, an article featured in the Crime Library states that “The problem with fiber evidence is that fibers are not unique.  Unlike fingerprints or DNA, they cannot pinpoint an offender in any definitive manner.  There must be other factors involved, such as evidence that the fibers can corroborate or something unique to the fibers that set them apart” (Ramsland, 2010). The fibers will have to contain other elements, such as chemicals or DNA in some cases. In addition to that, there are difficulties identifying the types of tapes that were used to restrain their victims. There are hundreds of different types of duct tape alone, which is the primary type of tape that is used when crimes are committed. Not all of them have truly been identified (Johnston, 2008). Then there is the flaw of tainted evidence. In some cases, due to poor handling, lack of integrity, or a lack of training, evidence can become tainted. When evidence is tainted, the wrong people are sometimes convicted of crimes that they did not commit and are sentenced. This has particular been a problem in Houston, Texas. A lab in Houston was discovered to not only suffer from having untrained staff, but there was also mishandling of evidence and a leaking roof. Tainted evidence has been a problem in this particular lab to the point of a 21 year old man, Josiah, wrongly being sentenced for rape. He was later exonerated, when it was discovered that the evidence was tainted and that he was not linked to the scene of the crime (Whitehurst, 2004). A lab in Michigan has also suffered from the same problem. This Michigan lab caused so much trouble to the point that five years of cases will have to be reexamined, as it is speculated that several hundred have been wrongly convicted, due to tainted evidence (Lundberg, 2010). Then, there is the flaw that evidence may not be analyzed well enough. This happened, and this lead to the wrongful conviction of a Scottish man for bombing. When his innocence was discovered, he was released from prison (Marshall, 2010) While there are still flaws in this element of forensics, and while there is still a long way to go in developing much better technology to link criminals to their victims and the crime scenes, forensic trace evidence examinations has played a huge role, nevertheless. Without this element of forensics, it would be difficult to figure out who committed certain crimes. Sure, there is evidence that is very obvious that can point to criminals. But as criminals get more strategic about committing crimes and disposing of their victims, there is a strong need for Forensic trace evidence examinations. The future is very promising for this element of forensics, as better methods and technologies are being developed to analyze even the minutes of fibers, particles of paint, and other elements that may link a suspect to a victim or crime scene. Better technology will lead to more accurate discoveries will allow for crimes to be solved much quicker than at present. References Houck, M. M. (2001). Mute Witnesses. Elsevier Science. Johnston, J. (2008, January 1). Adhesive Tapes as Trace Evidence. In ASI Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.adhesivesmag.com/Articles/Feature_Article/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000223126 Lundberg, C. (2010). Forensic evidence for Mich. prisoners to be retested. In PoliceOne.com. Retrieved from http://www.policeone.com/police-products/crime-scene-investigation/articles/ 1768080-Forensic-evidence-for-Mich-prisoners-to-be-retested/ Marshall, P. (2010, January 6). Flaws in key Lockerbie evidence. In BBC News. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8441796.stm OConnor, T. (2006). AN INTRODUCTION TO CRIME SCENE ANALYSIS. In Apsu.edu. Retrieved from http://www.apsu.edu/oconnort/3220/3220lect01a.htm Ramsland, K. (2010). Trace Evidence Fiber Analysis. In Crime Library. Retrieved from http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/criminal_mind/forensics/trace/3.html State of Michigan. (2010). MSP Trace Evidence. In michigan.gov. Retrieved from http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1593_3800-15961--,00.html Steck-Flynn, K. (2009, September 20). Trace Evidence: Hair. In Crime & Clues. Retrieved from http://www.crimeandclues.com/index.php/physical-evidence/trace-evidence/63-trace-evidence-hair Westchestergov.com. (2008). Trace Evidence. In westchestergov.com. Retrieved from http://www.westchestergov.com/labsresearch/forensicandtox/forensic/trace/fortraceframeset.htm Whitehurst, F. (2004, April). Forensic Crime Labs: Scrutinizing Results, Audits & Accreditation Part I. In nacdl.org. Retrieved from http://www.nacdl.org/public.nsf/0/ 4eb94b6092ae8d4a85256e760071ad9e? OpenDocument Read More