Trace evidence refers to materials transferred between people, objects, or the environment during a crime. This evidence can help investigators develop leads, indicating (or excluding) potential suspects or locations for further scrutiny. Trace evidence encompasses a wide range of natural and manufactured materials.
Traditional trace evidence includes:
- Glass
- Fibers
- Tape
- Paints, dyes, and pigments
- Gunshot residue
- Ignitable liquids
- Explosives
- Geological (minerals and soils)
- Pollen
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