ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the research and advances in scientific methodology relating to the forensic examination of fibres since the 14th INTERPOL Forensic Science Symposium held in October 2004. It provides a literature review of published articles in forensic science journals and the proceedings of various working groups between May 2004 and August 2007. The recovery and preservation of fibres is arguably the most crucial step in the examination process since in the majority of instances there will be little if any opportunity to re-perform this process. The subsequent searching of fibre tape lifts remains the most time consuming part of the examination process. The subsequent recovery and preservation of fibre evidence from tape lifts onto the microscope slide in preparation for examination, requires the use of a suitable mountant, which needs to conform to specific criteria. Fibre population studies seek to assess the frequency of fibre type/colour combinations at the generic level.
