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The primary objective of forensic analysis is individualization. Investigators often ask the questions: Did this specimen come from that person? Was this specimen part of that object?

Specimens may be:

• Biological (body fluids, tissue, plants, etc)
• Inorganic (glass, bullets, bits of a knife, etc)
  

Scenario verification also plays a large role. One question often asked is: Is the physical evidence consistent with a particular sequence of events?

The methods of forensic science vary in complexity. They may be as simple as using a magnifying glass, or as elaborate as the latest scientific instruments.

NLECTC-West provides a wide range of analytical equipment, techniques, and experience to District Attorney's and law enforcement agencies to assist them in analysing metallurgical evidence in support of criminal investigations.

Contact:

For more information on NLECTC-West's forensic analysis capabilities, contact Bob Waldron at 888-548-1618 or nlectc@law-west.org.

Case Study: Arson-Homicide

In 1996, NLECTC-West provided its expertise to the District Attorney's Office in Washington County, Oregon to help prosecute a murder case in which a man killed his wife and set fire to their house to make her death look accidental. NLECTC-West was able to provide sophisticated metallurgical analysis to support the prosecution's evidence that the fire was not accidental. This support was instrumental in proving the defendant was guilty of first degree manslaughter and arson. (Find out more)

Equipment and Techniques

• Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Microfocus Radiography
• Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
• Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis
• Focused Ion Beam Milling System
• Gas Chromatography
• Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy