What is the value of fiber as evidence?

What is the value of fiber as evidence?

Fiber analysis can never definitely solve a crime but it can provide strong clues and valuable supporting evidence. Sometimes the smallest piece of evidence found at a crime scene can be the thing that provides a major clue or becomes a major factor in winning a conviction.

What is the problem with fiber evidence?

The problem with fiber evidence (particularly when discussing clothing) is that cloth items are generally mass produced. The only way determine that a fiber came from a particular piece of cloth is to know without a doubt that the item is unique, or to actually witness the transfer of the fibers.

How are fibers classified in forensics?

Fibers can be classified as animal (e.g. hair and silk), vegetable (e.g. cotton and linen), mineral (e.g. asbestos), or synthetic (e.g. polyester and nylon), and are often identified by sub-classification through laboratory examination.

Are fibers physical evidence?

Fiber Evidence. As discussed previously, fibers are considered a form of trace evidence that can be transferred from the clothing of a suspect to the clothing of a victim during the commission of a crime. Fibers can also transfer from a fabric source such as a carpet, bed, or furniture at a crime scene.

Why are fibers important to forensics?

Hair and fibre are two of the most important resources in Forensic Science and are often responsible for providing valuable clues as to the identity of an assailant or attacker. Fibres too are an important discovery and can go some way to determining what an attacker or killer was wearing at the time of the incident.

What types of cases do hair and fiber evidence have value?

Types of cases in which fiber and hair may be of value as evidence: Assault/Rape/Homicide: These types of crimes often involve personal contact. Therefore, fibers and hairs may be exchanged between victim and suspect and/or their respective environments and apparel.

Why are fibers Class evidence do they have probative value?

Like hair, fibers are considered class evidence. Fibers have probative value because they can create connections, or associations. Investigators compare physical and chemical characteristics of suspect (questioned) and known fibers. The more properties that are found to be similar, the stronger the case.

Are fibers considered individual evidence?

Fibers collected as trace evidence are often considered to be class evidence and not individual evidence. For example, the presence of a white cotton fiber found on a suspect and found on a victim at a crime scene is not enough evidence to convict the suspect.