Forensic Microscopy of Hair and Fiber Evidence

Assess the microscope and its role in forensic hair and fiber examination.
Assignment Instructions
Essay
A suspect was apprehended after an attempted sexual assault was reported to the police. The victim wore a sweater manufactured with a blend of acrylic and wool fibers. The suspect’s clothing and the victim’s sweater were submitted to the crime lab for forensic fiber analysis.
In a 3 page essay discuss how forensic scientists conduct forensic examination of fibers.
Define the basic types of textile fibers.
Differentiate between the different types of microscopes available to the forensic scientist conducting forensic fiber examinations. (An excellent answer would include at least five major points.)
Discuss how the crime lab would identify and compare the fiber evidence from the attempted sexual assault. (An excellent answer would include at least five major points.)
Evaluate the proper methods of collecting and preserving fiber evidence.
Use the course text and at least two outside research sources including academic journals to support your view.
Format consistent with APA guidelines.
Requirements
* This Assessment should be a Microsoft Word (minimum 350 words) document, in addition to the title and reference pages.
* Respond to the questions in a thorough manner, providing specific examples of concepts, topics, definitions, and other elements asked for in the questions. Your submission should be highly organized, logical, and focused.
* Your submission must be written in Standard English and demonstrate exceptional content, organization, style, and grammar and mechanics.
* Your submission should provide a clearly established and sustained viewpoint and purpose.
* Your writing should be well ordered, logical and unified, as well as original and insightful.
* A separate page at the end of your submission should contain a list of references, in APA format. Use your textbook, the Library, and the internet for research.
* Be sure to cite both in-text and reference list citations where appropriate and reference all sources. Your sources and content should follow proper APA citation style. Review the writing resources for APA formatting and citation found in Academic Tools. Additional writing resources can be found within the Academic Success Center.
* Your submission should:
* include a cover sheet;
* be double-spaced;
* be typed in Times New Roman, 12 -point font;
* include correct citations
* be written in Standard English with no spelling or punctuation errors; and
* include correct references at the bottom of the last page.

Expert Answer:

Forensic fiber examination is a crucial aspect of forensic science that involves the analysis of fibers found at crime scenes to help identify suspects and establish connections between individuals, objects, and locations. Fibers can be found on clothing, weapons, and various other objects, and they can provide valuable clues about the events that took place at a crime scene.

There are several basic types of textile fibers that can be found at crime scenes, including natural fibers such as cotton, wool, and silk, and synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Natural fibers are derived from plants or animals, whereas synthetic fibers are man-made from chemical compounds.

Forensic scientists have a variety of microscopes at their disposal for examining fibers. The most common type of microscope used for forensic fiber examination is the stereo microscope, which provides a three-dimensional view of the fibers and allows for the identification of physical characteristics such as color, shape, and texture. Other types of microscopes that may be used include the polarized light microscope, which can reveal the birefringence of fibers, and the scanning electron microscope, which allows for the analysis of the surface features of fibers at high magnifications.

To identify and compare the fiber evidence from the attempted sexual assault, forensic scientists would first conduct a visual examination of the fibers to determine their basic physical characteristics. They would then use various techniques to analyze the fibers in greater detail, such as microspectrophotometry, which allows for the identification of the chemical makeup of fibers, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which can reveal the functional groups present in fibers. These techniques can help forensic scientists determine the specific type of fiber and potentially even the brand or manufacturer of the fiber.

Proper methods of collecting and preserving fiber evidence are essential to ensure the integrity of the evidence. Fibers should be collected using tweezers or other non-invasive methods, and they should be placed in paper envelopes or evidence bags to prevent contamination. Fibers should also be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation. It is also important to document the chain of custody of the evidence to ensure that it can be properly traced and authenticated.

In conclusion, the microscope plays a vital role in forensic fiber examination, allowing forensic scientists to identify and compare fibers found at crime scenes to help establish connections between individuals, objects, and locations. Proper methods of collecting and preserving fiber evidence are also crucial to ensure the integrity of the evidence.