Fibers are important evidence at crime scene. Their significances are given in this presentation

2. Fibers and
Examination of Fibers
Presented by:-
Kapil Raikwar
Volunteer
Applied Forensic Research Sciences

3. CONTENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION
• EXAMINATION OF FIBERS
• METHODS OF ANALYSIS
• FORENSIC SIGNIFICANCE
• REFERENCES

4. INTRODUCTION
• Fibres are associative evidence which can be used to establish a link
between a suspect and a crime scene.
• Based on Locard’s principal of exchange, transfer of material will
occur when two objects are in contact with each other .
• Fibres may become important evidence in incidents that involve
personal contact – such as homicide , assault , or sexual offences , etc.

6. COLLECTION & PRESERVATION
• Visual Collection : Collected using clean forceps and trace
paper, then it is folded & packed in a paper envelope.
• Tape lifting : Tape is used to lift up the fiber , then it is carefully
removed & packed.
• Vacuuming Method : The samples are collected using the
vacuuming method. And are packed in a paper envelope.

7. EXAMINATION OF FIBERS
Characteristics of fibers that are examined visually.
• Fiber diameter
• Fiber cross section
• Fiber number
• Fiber color
• Fiber location

8. METHODS OF ANALYSIS
•Scanning electron microscopy
•Atomic force microscopy
•Chemical or dye analysis

9. FORENSIC SIGNIFICANCE
• Fibres are used to create a link between the crime and suspect.
• Unlike fingerprints and DNA evidence, fibres are not specific to a single person.
• Fibres are a form of trace evidence, easily go unnoticed by the criminals.
• A carpet’s fibre or from a person’s clothing can indicate the individual’s presence on
the crime scene.
• Fibre examination can reveal whether the questioned fibre belongs to the particular
known fabric or not.

10. REFERENCES
• https://www.google.com/search?q=natural%20fibers&tbm=isch&client=ms-android-xiaomi-
rev1&prmd=ibsvn&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CBQQtI8BKABqFwoTCPDIs6uF4vkCFQAAAAAd
AAAAABAG&biw=360&bih=592#imgrc=2I0Z66CWi9LrIM
• Saferstein, R. (2011). Criminalistics (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle, NJ: Pearson Learning Solutions.