Hair & Fibers

How hair and fibers help police identify individuals…

Examinations can associate a hair to a person on the basis of microscopic characteristics in the hair.

The characteristics in the hair, but cannot provide absolute personal identification.

Some information that hair can provide..Hair examinations can determine

whether hairs are human or animal.Also the race, body area, method of

removal damage, and alternation.

Police are unable to provide..

An absolute personal identification.

The different types of fibers are..WoolCottonGlass

The main characteristics used in analysis of a fiber..Some of the main things that

Forensic Scientists would look for in a fiber at a crime scene:

TextureShape patternColorCross sectional appearanceSurface Characteristics (cuticle)

The color of a fiber is the most important characteristic because..

Color can influence the value given to a particular fiber.

Often several dyes are used to give a fiber a desired color.

Individual fibers can be colored prior to being spun into yarns

Most fiber comparisons are conducted by..fiber examinations involve a

comparison of samples from known and questioned sources.

It determines whether they are consistent with having originated from the same source