ABSTRACT
Trace evidence is evidence that exists in small quantities or size and may be very difficult to see on the body or at the scene. Trace evidence is usually searched for and collected prior to processing a scene for fingerprints. The use of a magnifying glass can greatly assist in the search for trace materials. Whenever trace evidence is seized from an item, control samples of that material should be taken by the investigator from potential donor sources. Trace evidence at the scene can be seized by the investigator with the item that it is deposited on, as long as it is certain it will not be dislodged or lost in packaging or transit. Trace metal examinations of suspected bullet ricochets, suspected bullet holes or defects, tool marks, etc., often yield valuable information. The investigator can collect samples of the material on which the trace metal is present, from a location away from the area containing the evidence.
