Physical Methods
This department is involved in the examination of items such as clothing for trace materials, including paint and glass particles, in order to establish a link to a crime scene.
Paint and glass evidence is analysed microscopically supported by instrumental techniques such as GRIM (Glass Refractive Index Measurement), FTIR and RAMAN.
Glass fragments along side the point of a pin
Marks of various kinds left at scenes, including those made by tools, footwear, tyres, etc. are visualised and matched against exhibits and databases.
Footwear marks are captured and enhanced using specialist lighting and photography before comparison to reference items.
A Footwear impression photographed using oblique white light
Marks suspected to have been made by tools are analysed microscopically.
Other work involves physical fits of items to prove a single source and the identification of vehicles from items left at a scene, eg. headlamp glass, bumper fragments.
