NCJ Number
191460
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 835-843
Editor(s)
Michael A. Peat Ph.D.
Date Published
July 2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article examined the continued value of trace evidence examinations, particularly fibers in forensic sciences with the present emphasis on DNA technology.
Abstract
Over time, changes in forensics have shown increased focus, time, energy, and funding on DNA analysis. This has led to a belief that the need for trace evidence examinations, including fibers, had been substantially reduced. Due to this belief, fibers examiners were challenged to look at ways to improve the services they offered to the criminal justice system. The article examined the separate stages within fiber casework from evidence collection to report writing. Several recommendations were presented in the improvement of fibers as a means of providing evidence in forensic investigations: (1) awareness of the potential of fiber evidence; (2) the use of fibers to provide investigative information particularly in the initial stages of a case; (3) exchange of information between the customer and the forensic scientist; (4) case management; (5) streamlining of the analysis and knowing which techniques to use and when to use them; (6) use of existing data pertinent to evidence evaluation; (7) accumulation of more data relating to fiber frequencies; (8) training on report writing and better presentation of the evidence; (9) the willingness to present personal opinions based on pertinent facts and defend them; (10) consideration of using a Bayesian approach to evidence evaluation; and (11) the degree of specialized training undergone by examiners. There will always be cases in which DNA cannot play a role and where crucial evidence may be brought about by using fiber transfer examinations. References