READ: Hair and Fiber Evidence

Collection of Fiber Evidence

When collecting fiber evidence for analysis, care must be taken not to inadvertently lose the often tiny fibers or to cross-contaminate with other fibers from personnel at the scene. Forensic investigators follow strict protocols on how to collect fiber evidence at the scene to avoid possible contamination or loss of evidence. Some of the guidelines include:

In the end, the significance of fiber evidence, as well as the collection method, is dictated by the circumstances of the case.

Georgia Virtual, Analysis of Hair, Fibers, and Botanical Materials, CC BY-NC-SA 3.0