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Trace Evidence and the Prosecution

Trace Evidence and the Prosecution. Mitch Poe, J.D. Tarrant County ADA Kelly L Belcher, M.S. Trace Analyst Patricia C. Eddings, B.S. Senior Trace Analyst. What is this?. Edmond Locard. 1877-1966

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Trace Evidence and the Prosecution

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  1. Trace Evidence and the Prosecution Mitch Poe, J.D. Tarrant County ADA Kelly L Belcher, M.S. Trace Analyst Patricia C. Eddings, B.S. Senior Trace Analyst

  2. What is this?

  3. Edmond Locard 1877-1966 Enthusiastic French scientist who believed that a cross-transfer of materials occurred whenever two objects came into contact with each other.

  4. Locard’s Exchange Principle Exchange Principle - 1928 Whenever two objects come into contact there is always a transfer of material. The methods of detection may not be sensitive enough to detect this or the decay rate may be so rapid that all evidence of transfer has vanished after a given time. Nonetheless, the transfer has taken place.

  5. Hairs Fibers Gunpowder and Gunshot Primer Residues Ignitable Liquid Residues Glass Paint Stains and “Stuff” What is Trace Evidence?

  6. What can Trace Evidence do for your case? • Provide Investigative Information • What type of car was used in a hit and run? • What is hair color from suspect’s hat at burglary scene? • May help with reconstruction • Associate people with objects, people with people, or objects with objects • Corroborate/refute witness statements

  7. Hit and Run

  8. Trace Analysis ≠DNA Profiling

  9. Prosecution Perspective

  10. Know Your Case • Know all the facts of your case • Know what all the physical evidence is and where it came from (Chain)

  11. Know What You Want • What questions are you trying to answer? • Don’t just drop of case without instructions to laboratory • Depending on analysis – known standards • Communicate with laboratory personnel! • If there’s a DNA match, trace may not be necessary!!

  12. Know the Capabilities and Limitations of Your Crime Laboratories • Sequence of Testing • How long does my test take? • Where is my case in the line? • How does cost affect my case?

  13. Communicate with Other Persons Involved in the Case

  14. Communicate with Other Persons Involved in the Case • Let partners know when your case is disposed • Keep partners informed of changes in direction of case • Trace is not the same as DNA. • Freely share information with partners

  15. Ultimately: Communication to a Jury • Unprepared = PAIN!!! • All work leads to this point • You must be a salesperson and your work is the product • Credibility means everything!

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