Fibre Transfer

Fibre transfer evidence can be used in an attempt to associate an individual to a particular crime by way of undertaking examinations of various items including.

Examples of cases involving fibre transfer include:

• Examination of the clothing of murder victim to ascertain if fibres from a suspect’s clothing are present, and of course vice versa
• Comparison of fibres recovered from a burglary scene (snagged on broken glass or a ragged surface at the point of entry for example) with the clothing of a suspect.
• Fibre transfer investigation in an attempt to associate an individual with the driver’s seat of a stolen vehicle

The scientific techniques utilised in fibre comparison are typically:

• High power microscopy using a comparison microscope and different lighting conditions to assess colour, shape, diameter and other physical features.
• The use of MSP to measure the colour of the fibre across the visible and UV spectrum.
• Use of FTIR to identify the different types of manmade fibres
• Comparison of the colour of fibres using TLC

The interpretation of the scientific findings can be very subjective and is dependent on a significant number of features and issues that require to be addressed.

Forensic Excellence can undertake a complete and thorough review of fibre transfer evidence to include undertaking our own examination of the items, interpretation of findings in light of the circumstances of a particular case, and preparation of a comprehensive expert report.