Trace evidence is defined as minute quantities and applies in the forensics field, and Locard’s Exchange Principle refers to the transfer of material of physical evidence that is small (Ogle & Plotkin, 2018). Locating, documenting, and examination of trace evidence requires instrumentation for these minute pieces of evidence. Despite the challenges of trace evidence in linking specific individuals to crime scenes and one another through individual characteristics, the importance of class evidence is its ability to clear or exonerate suspects quickly and effectively.
The purpose of this 4-day Discovering Trace Evidence workshop is to introduce attendees to the importance of trace evidence such as hair, fibers, soil, paint, accelerants, glass, and gunshot residue in crime scene investigations and to explore the ability to successfully locate this evidence through tools such as alternate light sources, document this evidence through advanced photographic techniques, and effectively collect this evidence for submission to the lab for analysis. Power points, lectures, interactive activities, and many hands-on labs will be implemented throughout the workshop to ensure all objectives are met.
At the completion of this 4-day workshop, attendees will have been introduced to the importance of trace evidence as valuable minute evidence on crime scenes, and the tools and equipment necessary for the documentation and collection of this evidence.
Day One - Introduction to trace evidence / documentation: Importance of trace evidence/ Locard’s Exchange Principle - 90 minutes, Types of trace evidence - 60 minutes, Forms of documentation - 90 minutes, Photographic techniques - 120 minutes, Photography practical - 120 minutes
Day Two - Hair, fibers, soil, paint, accelerants: Introduction to hair, fibers, soil, paint, accelerants - 90 minutes, Collection techniques - 90 minutes, Alternate light sources - 120 minutes, Alternate light source practical - 180 minutes
Three - Application of alternate light source and photography: All day with multiple stations and practical exercises
Day Four - Gunshot residue / glass shooting range: Introduction to gunshot residue - 90 minutes, Shooting range - 120 minutes, Gunshot residue collection -120 minutes, Glass evidence - 30 minutes, Glass evidence collection - 90 minutes, Evaluations/ certificates - 30 minutes
This course is approved for 32 hours of certification/recertification by the IAI Crime Scene Certification Board.
