Forensic fiber analysis identifies small pieces of material to provide clues to crimes or support conclusions drawn from other evidence. The analysis examines evidence involving manufactured materials, including fabrics, carpet, clothing, and even baby diapers. The analysis includes determining the kind of materials contained in the fiber and any special properties, contextualizing the evidence, and comparing it with the donor item to confirm its presence at the crime scene. While valuable, fiber analysis rarely provides the bulk of evidence in criminal investigations.
Fiber analysis is the identification of small pieces of material that have separated from the whole. In forensic investigations, the examination of these fibers often falls under the jurisdiction of the Tracing Evidence Department. This form of analysis is often referred to as forensic fiber analysis and is typically used to provide clues to crimes or support conclusions drawn from other evidence.
It is widely accepted that traces of evidence exist at virtually every crime scene. Contact with the victim or immediate environment often results in small amounts of material being transferred to or from the suspect. The field of forensic fiber analysis examines evidence involving manufactured materials.
While much of the fiber analysis focuses on fabrics, the reality is that most man-made products have the potential to break into smaller pieces. Carpet, clothing and upholstery fibers are obviously quite common in trace amounts. Surprisingly, paper fibers, toothbrush bristles and even baby diapers have also been studied.
The analysis includes many stages. The first priority is generally to determine what kind of materials are contained in the fiber. Once this is determined, any special properties of the fiber, such as dyes or other chemical treatments, are examined. Often, answering these two questions can help identify the source of the fiber.
Hence, the evidence must be contextualized. In the example of baby diaper fibers, the investigators first eliminate the possibility that the victim came into contact with the fiber from a source other than the suspect. If this were the case, some speculation could be made about the suspect which could narrow the scope of the investigation. For example, if the suspect was having an affair with a person who worked in a factory that made diapers, that person would obviously have been scrutinized more closely.
Forensic fiber analysis becomes more practical when a possible source for the fiber is found. Comparison with the donor item can provide confirmation that the item was at the crime scene. Fiber analysis technicians can also determine how the fiber was removed from the bundle. By examining the ends of the fiber, they can tell if it has been torn, cut, or simply eroded away from its source. This can be an important tool for recreating the events of a crime.
Fiber analysis is a valuable tool, but it rarely provides the bulk of evidence in criminal investigations. The presence of red wool fibers at a murder scene does not mean that anyone associated with the victim who owns a red wool sweater becomes a suspect. However, if the fibers have a similar composition to a suspect’s blood-covered sweater, the discovery provides evidence to support that person’s guilt.
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