Laboratory Services - Trace Evidence

Trace Evidence

Physical evidence routinely examined includes: paint, fire debris, clothing and footwear, glass, fibres and textiles, safe insulation, and a wide range of commercial products. The examination of exhibits may be classified into two categories: the identification of an unknown substance; and the comparison of “known” and “questioned” exhibits. Services include:

• recovering, comparing and identifying non-biological trace evidence (paint, potential fire accelerants, glass, fibres and textiles, plastics, building products, safe insulation and commercial products);
• conducting physical matching of the seized materials;
• providing scientific and technical support to other forensic disciplines; and
• hosting and supporting the Paint Data Query (PDQ) database.

Explosives

Services include:

• analyzing pre- and post-blast samples to determine type of explosive;
• analyzing explosives ingredients and related materials;
• providing scene assistance including use of explosives detectors; and
• providing scientific and technical support to bomb disposal and other experts in the field.