Trace Evidence
The Trace Evidence Section examines evidence from criminal cases involving arson residue, footwear and tire impressions, paint, glass and unknown substances.
Its recently upgraded arsenal of high-tech instruments includes a:
- Scanning electron microscope
- Polarizing microscopes
- Comparison Microscopes
- Micro-spectrometer with optics
- Refractive Index System
- Infrared Micro-spectroscop
- Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer
- Pyrolysis Gas Chromatograph
It also has one of the few gas-phase laser ablation inductively coupled plasma labs in the world, with Deep Ultraviolet Excimer Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Pyrolysis is the chemical decomposition of organic materials by heating in the absence of oxygen or any other reagents. It is used in chemical analysis to break down complex matter into simpler molecules for identification, like pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry.
Trace Evidence scientists use Pyrolysis GC almost exclusively for paint assays, in which they heat up paint chips until they ignite, enabling them to identify the substances by their gas chromatography spectra.
During 2008, the Crime Laboratory System’s Trace Evidence Sections examined 107 cases including homicide, rape, narcotics, property crimes, and fatal motor vehicle "hit-and-run" investigations. They also processed fire debris evidence from 264 cases of suspected arson.
Interesting Cases-
On March 25, 2008, a Schenectady County man accepted a 16-year-prison term rather than face trial for intentionally setting several fires in the Rotterdam area.
A trace evidence examination of a beer can left at one fire scene identified residue from an ignitable liquid; the can was subsequently linked to the defendant by DNA analysis.
A piece of torn cardboard at the scene also bore the defendant's fingerprint. Through a process known as fracture or “jigsaw-puzzle” matching, Forensic Scientist III Frank Padula was able to match its torn edge to the edge of a piece of cardboard found in the defendant’s home.
* Information provided by 2008 Annual Report
For current listing of services provided, refer to the Forensic Science Submitting Agency Information page on this website.