Trace Evidence: Fracture Match Capabilities Guide 2015 PDF

Revised 8/26/15 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC SCIENCE EVIDENCE HANDLING & LABORATORY CAPABILITIES GUIDE TRACE EVIDENCE: FRACTURE MATCH Contact Information If you have any questions concerning the Trace Evidence laboratory examinati...

Revised 8/26/15 VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC SCIENCE EVIDENCE HANDLING & LABORATORY CAPABILITIES GUIDE TRACE EVIDENCE: FRACTURE MATCH Contact Information If you have any questions concerning the Trace Evidence laboratory examination capabilities or evidence handling procedures, please call the Training Section or the Trace Evidence Section at the Forensic Laboratory that services your area. Laboratory Section Contact Phone Number Central Mary Keehan (804) 588-4040 Eastern Brenda Christy (757) 355-5979 Western Anthony Brown (540) 283-5936 © 2015 Virginia Department of Forensic Science Trace Evidence: Fracture Match - Page 1 of 2  Revised 8/26/15 FRACTURE MATCH EXAMINATIONS OVERVIEW Fracture matches involve physically fitting items of evidence back together. A positive fracture match is a conclusive result that means that the fractured materials were at one time a portion of a single unit. The Trace Evidence Section typically conducts fracture matches on the types of evidence that would normally be examined by the section. This would include, but is not be limited to: plastic, vehicle parts, paint, tapes, glass, fabric, ropes and cordage. CAPABILITIES AND SERVICES Determination as to whether or not one or more items were at one time a portion of a single unit. COLLECTION GUIDELINES ITEM – Fractured (Broken) Items METHOD – Protect the broken items from further damage. Package in plastic or paper bags or boxes and cushion with tissue. Cardboard “sandwiches” may also assist in protecting from further breakage. If the item is particularly fragile, placing the item in a box cushioned with tissue is preferred. DISCUSSION –DO NOT attempt the fracture match in the field. If a fracture match attempt is successful, the examiner will call or e-mail asking if any remaining examinations are necessary. Oftentimes the conclusive nature of the fracture match precludes the need for further testing. SUBMISSION REMINDERS Protect evidence from further damage. © 2015 Virginia Department of Forensic Science Trace Evidence: Fracture Match - Page 2 of 2