Microscopic Characteristics of Carpet Fibers Classified and Indexed to Aid in the Identification of Questioned Carpet Fibers

Abstract

Fiber evidence is often encountered in forensic casework and it is a useful tool for the forensic scientist. In accordance with Locard’s exchange theory, fiber evidence can help reconstruct the events of a crime and tie the perpetrator, victim, and crime scene together. However, there are instances where a questioned fiber will be obtained but potentials sources of the fiber will not be known. A database of fibers could help identify questioned fibers in these situations. This project will attempt to create a carpet fiber database to help identify questioned fibers when a known source is unavailable. This database can be used to aid law enforcement in their investigation of a crime.