|
January 2000 Volume 2 Number
1
Trace Evidence Quality
Assurance Guidelines
(January 1999 Revision)
Hair
Addenda
HA2.3.2.3 and HA2.3.3.3
If the following is not available
at the graduate or undergraduate level, completion through structured
course work is required:
Basic Microscopy and Polarized
Light Microscopy
Back to the article
Hair Addendum
HA2.4.1.2a
The training period will
be a minimum of 12 months, full time, for the inexperienced trainee
examiner. The allotted time includes the specifications under
sections 2.4.1.2, 2.4.1.3, and 2.4.1.4. These sections refer
to casework observation, supervised casework, proficiency test(s),
examinations, and moot court.
Suggested inclusion topics for the time line follow:
I. Introductory Reading
Assignments on Fundamental Knowledge
A. Hair Structure and Ultrastructure
B. Hair Chemistry and Biochemistry
C. Hair Anomalies and Diseases
D. Hair Growth Phases
E. History of Hair Examinations
F. Implications of Hair Structure, Chemistry, and Growth
for Forensic Hair Comparison
II. Evidence Recognition
and Handling Techniques
A. Collection of Known/Exemplar
Hairs
B. Evaluation of and Practice
With Recognition and Collection Techniques for Evidence Hairs
C. Contamination Issues
D. Preservation
E. Recognition of Environmental Effects on Hair
III. Macroscopic and Low-Power
Microscopic Evaluation of Hair
A. Color
B. Length
C. Shape
D. Racial and Somatic Origin
E. Texture and Conformation
F. Gross Surface Contaminants
G. Observation of Variation Along Length of Hair
H. Human Versus Animal Hair Features
IV. Microscopic Examination
of Hair
A. Preparation Technique
1. Scale Casts
2. Considerations With Mountants
3. Considerations With Slides and Cover Slips
4. Mounting Techniques
5. Considerations With Cross-Sectioning
6. Miscellaneous Techniques
B. Microscopic Techniques
1. Basic Light Microscopy
2. Polarized Light Microscopy
3. Comparison Microscopy
4. Miscellaneous Microscopic Methods
C. Microscopic Characteristics
1. Human and Animal
2. Somatic and Racial
3. Comparison Characteristics
D. Consideration/Evaluation
of Acquired Characteristics
1. Dyes and Cosmetics
2. Environmental Contaminants
3. Environmental Damage
4. Insect and Other Types of Damage
V. Evaluation of Hair
Features Used in Comparison
A. Practice With Known Hairs
B. Practice Comparing Questioned Hairs to Knowns
C. Practical Testing
D. Competency Testing (Written, Practical, and Oral)
VI. Evaluation of Hairs for DNA Profiling
VII. Documentation
A. Notes
B. Report Writing Including Criteria for Exclusion
and Inclusion
VIII. Evaluation and Interpretation
IX. Testimony
Back
to the top
Back to the article
FORENSIC SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS JANUARY 2000 VOLUME 2 NUMBER 1 |
