1. Trace Evidence Examiner By Carmen Navia and Alexis Berger

2. What is Trace Evidence? • Describes any evidence small in size, particularly evidence that would be analyzed with a microscope • Caused when objects make contact • Collect it by vacuuming, tape lifting, and hand picking evidence

3. Education • Master degree or doctoral degree applicable to the profession • Physical or life sciences (chemistry, biology, geology, etc.) • At least five years of experience as an examiner in the forensic analysis of at least one trace evidence discipline

4. Solving Crime • Look at the little things that are important to the case • Collect physical evidence to link suspects to the crime

5. Real Life Trace Evidence • Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald, Army captain and Green Beret accusedof murdering his pregnant wife and two children in 1970 • The investigators were suspicious of the doctorbecause of the nature of his wounds – suggesting that they were not defensive and perhaps evenself inflicted. • Blue threads that matched the doctor’s pajama top were found under the body of hiswife as well as in the bedroom of both murdered children and even under the fingernails of one ofhis daughters. • When MacDonald was confronted with this and other evidence he reportedly stated“You guys are more thorough than I thought”. Dr. MacDonald is currently in prison and stillmaintains his innocence.

7. Advantages/disadvantages Disadvantages Solve criminal cases Putting the right people in jail Cool equipment Salary is low Need a lot of schooling Advantages

8. Employment • Work in lab • Work for a county, town, or city • There are not many jobs available

9. Salary • National Average: $56,000 • Average Trace Evidence Examiner salaries for job postings nationwide are 11% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide

10. Related Careers • Physical Scientist • Geologist • Forensic Examiners

11. Video Solved- Trace Evidence.mp4