FOSC 3 REVIEWER

WEEK 7 INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC DRUG ANALYSIS

FORENSIC DRUG ANALYSIS
involves the scientific examination of substances suspected to be illicit drugs to determine their
nature, composition, and quantity.

THE ROLE OF A DRUG CHEMIST

DUTIES OF A DRUG CHEMIST:

Drug chemists analyze drug samples, conduct tests, and interpret results. They may also testify
as expert witnesses in court.

EXPERTISE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Drug chemists need expertise in analytical chemistry and knowledge of forensic protocols. Their
responsibilities include maintaining a chain of custody for evidence and ensuring the accuracy of results.

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF DRUG SPECIMENS

QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS:
This determines the presence or absence of specific drugs in a sample. For instance, a qualitative
analysis might confirm the presence of THC in a seized cannabis sample.

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS:
This measures the exact amount of a substance in a sample, such as determining the
concentration of alcohol in a blood sample for DUI cases.

STEPS IN CONDUCTING QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

1. PHYSICAL TEST
Visual inspection and sensory examination. For instance, identifying the physical characteristics
of a pill or capsule.

2. CHEMICAL (COLOR) TEST

Examples include the Marquis reagent test for detecting the presence of opioids and the Scott
test for cocaine.

3. CONFIRMATORY TEST
Confirming the presence of a specific drug using more advanced techniques.
CONFIRMATORY TESTS
A. THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY (TLC):
TLC separates and identifies compounds in a mixture. For example, TLC can be used to confirm
the presence of multiple drugs in a seized powder.

B. SPECTROPHOTOMETRY (UV AND IR):

UV and IR spectroscopy are used to determine the molecular structure of substances. For
instance, UV spectroscopy can confirm the presence of a specific compound by analyzing its UV
absorption spectrum.

C. GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS SPECTROMETRY (GC-MS):

GC-MS is used to separate and identify volatile compounds. It's commonly used in drug analysis
to confirm the presence of substances in complex mixtures.

DRUG TESTING VIA URINE SAMPLE

Procedure for testing DMA in urine samples:
Urine samples are often tested for drugs using immunoassay techniques. For example, a urine
sample can be tested for MDMA (not DMA) by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

CONDITIONS THAT MODIFY THE EFFECTS AND METABOLISM OF DRUGS

Factors affecting drug metabolism:
Genetic factors, liver function, and drug interactions can alter how the body metabolizes drugs.
For example, a genetic variation may affect how a person metabolizes codeine into its active form,
morphine.

VALIDITY TEST IN URINE SAMPLES

Ensuring the integrity of urine samples:
Validity tests, such as checking for temperature and creatinine levels, help ensure the sample
hasn't been tampered with. For example, an unusually low creatinine level might indicate dilution of the
urine sample.
PRINCIPLE OF DRUG TEST USING DTK (DRUG TEST KIT)
Explanation of DTKs:
Drug Test Kits are portable, rapid tests that detect the presence of specific drugs in various
samples (urine, saliva, etc.). For instance, a DTK for marijuana may use antibodies to detect the presence
of THC metabolites in urine.

WEEK 8 EXPLOSIVES

EXPLOSIVES
➢ An explosive refers to a substance containing a large amount of stored energy, which is capable
of undergoing a rapid chemical reaction.
➢ This reaction releases super heated gases that expand with great force and does not require
atmospheric oxygen to sustain combustion.
➢ In several bombing incidents, it has been found that the commonly used explosive device is the
incendiary explosive device (IED). Its popularity could be due to the ubiquity of materials for its
production and its low cost without compromising its effectiveness as a bomb.
➢ explosives are reactive substances containing great amount of potential that—if released
suddenly—can produce an explosion, usually accompanied by the production of light, sound,
heat, and pressure. The quantity of an explosive material is measured through its explosive
charge.

HISTORY OF EXPLOSIVES
CHINESE
➢ Approximately 1,000 years ago, they invented the first chemical explosive called gunpowder
(also called black powder). It consisted of a mixture of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate (or
saltpeter).
➢ For hundreds of years, gunpowder was mainly used to create fireworks and the Chinese did not
use it as a weapon of war until after Europeans began using it to shoot stones and projectiles
from tubes as well as metal balls from guns and cannons.

The Europeans may have learned about gunpowder from travelers coming from the Middle East. In
fact, in the West, gunpowder was used more for wars than for fireworks by the early 13th century. The
English and the Germans also began to manufacture gunpowder in the early 1300s. It remained the only
explosive for 300 hundred years, until 1628, when another explosive, called fulminating gold, was
discovered.
KINDS OF EXPLOSIVE
Explosives are generally classified into two categories, namely, low, and high explosives.

LOW EXPLOSIVES
➢ burn at a much slower rate and create less pressure.
➢ Low explosives are typically used as propellants to send a rocket into space or force a bullet out
of a gun.
➢ Low explosives consist of a combustible substance and an oxidant that burns (deflagrates) at
speed levels that range from a few cm/sec to 400 m/ sec.
➢ Low explosives combine a combustible substance and an oxidant at sufficient temperature, thus
releasing heat and rapidly expanding gases.
➢ Low explosives work the same way as burning wood or coal, and the burning occurs with more
or less speed depending on the amount of oxygen in the surrounding.
➢ For many years, black powder or gunpowder has been used as the most common low explosive
throughout the world.

HIGH EXPLOSIVES

➢ chemicals that explode faster than the Speed of sound comprise high explosives.
➢ high explosives detonate instantaneously, burn more rapidly, and create more pressure.

In any explosive, one or many of these reactions may occur, thus releasing large energy levels.
Known as the "blasting oil," nitroglycerine was the first high explosive used in commercial blasting. It
is considered dangerous because it is an unstable chemical.

IN THE LATE 1800'S, ALFRED NOBEL

combined a mixture of nitroglycerine (NG) with a special type of clay called kieselghur, which he
packed into sticks. The resulting dynamites were the first type of high explosive that was safer to use.

PRIMARY EXPLOSIVES
➢ Explosives can also be categorized according to their sensitivity, that is, sensitive materials that
can be exploded by a smaller amount of pressure or heat are called primary explosives,
➢ while materials that remain relatively insensitive are called secondary explosives.

DYNAMITE CONTENTS
➢ Nitroglycerin or NG
➢ EGDN (ethylene glycol dinitrate)
➢ Sawdust wrapped in buff, red, white, or orange wax paper
➢ Support compounds
➢ Ammonia-gelatin
NITROGLYCERINE TYPE OF DYNAMITE
THE TYPES OF DYNAMITES THAT USE NG INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
➢ Straight Dynamite
➢ Ammonia Dynamite
➢ Gelatin Dynamite
➢ Ammonia-Gelatin Dynamite

STRAIGHT DYNAMITE
➢ Its NG content makes it the most dangerous type of dynamite to handle and store
➢ NG vapor is quickly absorbed, thus causing severe headache
➢ Produces toxic fumes that make them unsuitable for underground or confined space blasting
➢ Handler should be extremely cautious if NG content is leaking
➢ Sodium nitrate is often added to it to supply oxygen and increase strength
➢ Has a velocity of 17,000 psi
➢ Has a heavy odor that is pungent yet sweet

AMMONIA DYNAMITE
➢ Has a tan to light brown color
➢ Lower cost and less sensitive than straight dynamite
➢ Portion of NG is replaced by ammonia and sodium nitrate
➢ Percentage strength ranging from 5% to 70%
➢ Pushing heavy effect
➢ Detonation velocity ranging from 3,600 to 13,000 fps
➢ Possesses same odor effect as straight dynamite and may cause headaches resulting from the
NG base

GELATIN DYNAMITE
➢ Detonation velocities up to 23,600 fps
➢ Percentage strength ranging from 20% to 1000/0
➢ Unconfined, lower percentage strength that can detonate at 7,000 fps; confined percentage
strength of up to 13,000 fps
➢ Consists of water-resistant gel made of sodium, nitrocellulose, and nitroglycerine
➢ Suitable for wet blasting on tough rock or ore
➢ Has a semi-gel consistency with properties shared with ammonia and ammonia-gelatin
dynamites
TYPES OF EXPLOSION
MECHANICAL —
This type of explosion is caused by the expansion of gas that produces high pressure beyond the
capacity of the container.

ATOMIC OR NUCLEAR —
This type of explosion results from the atomic transformation of atomic elements. It undergoes
three stages as follows:

FISSION - splitting of the nucleus of atoms;

FUSION - under great force joining together the nuclei of atoms; and Tremendous release of gas, heat,
and shock

CHEMICAL —
This type of explosion is produced through the extremely rapid transformation of unstable
substances accompanied by heat formation.

DETONATION
refers to a violent explosion resulting from the practically instantaneous combustion or
decomposition of unstable compounds.

EFFECTS OF EXPLOSION
1. HEAT THERMAL EFFECT (INCENDIARY) — 3000°C — 4000°C
2. BLAST PRESSURE EFFECT= 1/ 10,000 of a second (hot expanding gas)

SECONDARY EFFECTS OF EXPLOSION

➢ Focusing
➢ Reflection
➢ Structural Fire
➢ Shielding
➢ Earth and Water Shock
WEEK 9 PARAFFIN TEST AND GUN POWDER RESIDUE

PARAFFIN TEST
➢ The Paraffin Test, also known as the GSR test, is a forensic examination that identifies gunshot
residue (GSR) on an individual's hands and clothing.
➢ GSR comprises small particles like burnt and unburnt gunpowder, as well as metallic elements
such as lead, barium, and antimony.

GUNPOWDER
➢ Gunpowder is the propellant used in firearms, responsible for launching projectiles.
➢ Example: In firearms, gunpowder undergoes combustion, producing a rapidly expanding gas that
propels a bullet down the barrel and out of the firearm.

TYPES OF GUNPOWDER
BLACK POWDER:
An example is the classic "black powder," which is a mix of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and
sulfur.

SMOKELESS POWDER:
Smokeless powder is commonly used in modern firearms to reduce the visible residue. An
example of a smokeless powder is nitrocellulose-based powder.

TEST FOR GUNPOWDER

NITRATES
➢ Determining the presence of nitrates is crucial for GSR analysis.
➢ Example: Nitrate testing can involve the detection of sodium ions, which are indicative of GSR's
presence.

GUNSHOT RESIDUE (GSR) TEST

➢ This test collects microscopic particles from the suspect's hands and clothing.
➢ Example: In a GSR test, adhesive stubs are applied to the suspect's hands and clothing, and
particles are collected for analysis.
NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
➢ This method involves irradiating the suspect's hands or clothing with neutrons.
➢ Example: Neutron Activation Analysis can detect elements like antimony and barium, which are
typical components of GSR.

GUNPOWDER RESIDUE TEST (GPR) TEST

➢ This test utilizes chemical tests to identify specific GSR components.
➢ Example: The Griess test is an example of a chemical test that can detect nitrates, a key
component of GSR.

PARAFFIN-DIPHENYLAMINE TEST (DERMAL NITRATE TEST)

➢ This test focuses on nitrates absorbed through the skin, indicative of recent firearm use.
➢ Example: Paraffin is applied to the suspect's hands, and the nitrates are extracted and analyzed
chemically, such as with the Griess test.

FACTORS AFFECTING PARAFFIN EXAMINATION

➢ Accuracy in paraffin tests can be influenced by various factors.
➢ Example: If the suspect washes their hands immediately after firing a weapon, it can significantly
reduce the likelihood of detecting GSR.

GUN SHOT RESIDUE

➢ GSR can be a crucial piece of evidence in firearms-related investigations when analyzed and
interpreted correctly.
➢ Example: In a murder investigation, GSR found on a suspect's clothing can provide valuable clues
about their involvement in the crime.

WEEK 10 TOXICOLOGY
TOXICOLOGY
➢ Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of chemicals and physical agents on living
organisms. It is a broad field that encompasses many different disciplines, including chemistry,
biology, medicine, and environmental science.
➢ Toxicologists work to understand how chemicals and physical agents interact with the body and
how they cause harm. They also develop methods to detect and measure the levels of these
chemicals and physical agents in the body and in the environment.
HISTORY OF TOXICOLOGY
➢ Toxicology is one of the oldest scientific disciplines. Humans have been aware of the dangers of
poisons for thousands of years. The earliest written records of toxicology date back to ancient
Egypt and Mesopotamia.
➢ In the 16th century, the Swiss alchemist Paracelsus is credited with laying the foundation for
modern toxicology. He proposed the famous principle of toxicology, "All things are poison, and
nothing is without poison; the right dose differentiates a poison and a remedy."
➢ Toxicology has continued to evolve over the centuries, and today it is a complex and
sophisticated field of study.
➢ Toxicologists use a variety of scientific methods to study the effects of chemicals and physical
agents on living organisms.

IMPORTANCE OF TOXICOLOGY IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

➢ Toxicology is an essential tool in forensic science. Forensic toxicologists use their knowledge of
poisons and toxins to investigate crimes and deaths. They can analyze biological samples, such as
blood, urine, and tissue, to identify the presence of drugs, alcohol, and other chemicals.
➢ Forensic toxicologists can also use their expertise to reconstruct the events leading up to a crime
or death. For example, they can determine the time of death or the amount of alcohol or drugs
that a person consumed before they died.

TOLERANCE AND IDIOSYNCRASY

➢ Tolerance is the ability of an organism to resist the effects of a chemical or physical agent.
➢ Idiosyncrasy is an abnormal or unusual reaction to a chemical or physical agent.
➢ Tolerance can develop over time as a result of repeated exposure to a chemical or physical
agent. For example, people who drink alcohol regularly may develop a tolerance to its effects.
➢ Idiosyncrasy is a rare but potentially dangerous condition. People with idiosyncrasy may
experience severe or even fatal reactions to chemicals or physical agents that are harmless to
most people.
COLLECTION OF SAMPLES FOR TOXICOLOGY EXAMINATION (SOURCES OF SAMPLES FOR
TOXICOLOGY EXAMINATION)
Toxicologists can collect samples from a variety of sources, including:

➢ Blood
➢ Urine
➢ Tissue
➢ Gastric contents
➢ Hair
➢ Nails
➢ Bile
➢ Cerebrospinal fluid
➢ Vitreous humor (fluid in the eye)
➢ Stomach contents

The type of sample that is collected depends on the specific purpose of the toxicology examination.
For example, if a toxicologist is trying to determine the cause of death, they may collect blood, urine, and
tissue samples.

INTOXICATION VIA ALCOHOL

➢ Alcohol intoxication is a state of intoxication caused by the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol is a
depressant that affects the central nervous system.
➢ The effects of alcohol intoxication vary depending on the amount of alcohol consumed and the
individual's tolerance. Symptoms of alcohol intoxication can include:
➢ Impaired judgment
➢ Slurred speech
➢ Loss of coordination
➢ Drowsiness
➢ Nausea and vomiting
➢ Blacking out
➢ Alcohol intoxication can lead to serious consequences, such as accidents, injuries, and death.

POISONS
➢ A poison is any substance that can cause harm to a living organism when ingested, inhaled,
injected, or absorbed through the skin. Poisons can be natural or synthetic.
➢ Natural poisons are found in plants, animals, and other organisms. Synthetic poisons are man-
made.
COMMONLY USED TYPES OF POISONS (ARSENIC AND CYANIDE)
➢ Arsenic and cyanide are two of the most commonly used types of poisons.
➢ Arsenic is a heavy metal that is found in the environment. It can be ingested through
contaminated food or water, or it can be inhaled as dust or fumes.
➢ Arsenic poisoning can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal
pain, and seizures.
➢ Cyanide is a chemical compound that is found in some plants and animals. It can also be
produced synthetically.
➢ Cyanide poisoning can cause death within minutes.

TYPE OF POISONS
Poisons can be classified into two main types:

CORROSIVE POISONS:
Corrosive poisons damage the tissues they come into contact with. Examples of corrosive
poisons include acids and alkalis.

True poisons:

True poisons are absorbed into the bloodstream and cause harm to internal organs
WEEK 11 FORENSIC ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE
FINALS (WEEK 1)

SOIL ANALYSIS, TOOLMARKS, CASTING, AND MOLDING

SOIL

➢ Soil consists of plants, minerals, animal matter, and tiny particulates of synthetic products such
as cement, paint, glass, asphalt, and so on. Soil contents are not uniform and they differ from
one place to another. Soil can play an important role in criminal investigation.

For example, soil on a suspect's shoe or splattered inside a car fender can provide forensic scientists
with sufficient information about the suspects and crime victims. Specifically, soil recovered from
clothes, shoes, and automobiles can be analyzed in order to determine if a suspect was or was not in a
particular location. Soil sample analysis is executed by carefully comparing the particle size and shape,
color, mineralogical composition, and biological components of a soil sample obtained from a suspect to
those from a known location.
PETROGRAPHY

➢ Petrography refers to the branch of dealing with the systematic classification and identification
of rock forming minerals, rocks, and soils. Meanwhile, petrographic analysis refers to the use of a
polarizing microscope to determine the optical properties of crystalline mineral substances.
Other means of identification are spectrographic analysis, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and
micro-chemical techniques.

COLLECTION OF SOIL SAMPLES

➢ Soil sample collection depends on the circumstances of the crime, that is, indoor scenes can
differ from outdoor scenes in terms of the type of evidence recovered and the way in which
these samples are collected.

INDOOR SCENES

FOOTPRINTS IN SOIL OR IN DUST

➢ Samples made by footwear should be photographed to scale prior to recovery. The particle
samples are often collected using a vacuum method. Here, the samples are vacuumed with a
portable vacuum cleaner equipped with a special attachment, which has a metal screen with a
filter paper.

The area is vacuumed and the filter is removed and labeled with the name of the technician who
operated the vacuum as well as the date, location, and time of collection.

Reference samples from the surrounding area (e.g., points of entry and exit and alibi locations) are
normally

OUTDOOR SCENES

Sampling methods are adjusted when the crime scene is outdoors. In case it involves the
recovery of remains, soil samples are taken at regular intervals up to 100 yards from the gravesite or
point of recovery. A grid search may also be set up and samples can be taken from each square of the
grid and then labeled. Most modern tests just require about a tablespoon of soil.

SOIL SAMPLES FROM VEHICLES

Vehicles involved in accidents could leave lumps of soil from under the wheel wells and fenders.
These should be, collected and wrapped in protective material to minimize bumping during transport. At
the lab, a soil analyst can read these layers and know where this vehicle has been. The analyst may also
be able to match the layers in a lump of soil to a specific vehicle.
SOIL SAMPLES FROM CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR

These should be collected intact and no attempt should be made to remove soil from clothing,
footwear or tires. If such items can be removed intact, they should be placed in a paper bag or in a
druggist's fold and then placed in a paper bag. The paper bag must be protected so that evidence is
maintained. However, wet samples should be placed in an appropriate container because wet samples
placed in a paper bag could quickly rot and

LABORATORY TEST FOR SOIL SAMPLE

There are several laboratory tests that can be done to examine a soil sample.

➢ Mineral content
o Determining the ratio of mineral and organic content
➢ Electron microscopic examination
➢ Density gradient tube method
➢ Using heat to test the point at which the sample undergoes an exothermic reaction or an
endothermic reaction.
o exothermic reaction - the sample essentially burns and releases heat
o endothermic reaction - the sample absorbs the heat

TOOLMARKS

➢ When tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, hammers and wire cutters are manufactured, the
manufacturing process leaves certain imperfections embedded on the tools' surfaces. These
patterns are unique or each tool. This means that when criminals use a specific tool at a crime
scene, the toolmarks left behind can be analyzed by forensic scientists.
➢ Toolmarks are impressions or marks produced by a tool or instrument on a receptive surface.
When the tool makes contact with the surface with sufficient impact to create an indentation,
the pattern of the tool is permanently reproduced onto that surface.
➢ In forensic science, toolmarks can make a negative impression (stamping type) or an abrasion
(friction type). Some toolmarks are a combination of both types. Usually, toolmark impressions
are microscopic and are due to the imperfections found on the cutting surface of a tool. These
marks comprise the "signature" or identifying characteristics of a specific tool. Laboratory
examinations and comparisons from a "suspect tool" with toolmarks recovered from a crime
scene can help provide conclusive evidence that, in turn, can link a suspect to a specific crime
and hence
EVIDENCE SUBMITTED IN TOOLMARK CASES MAY INCLUDE TOOLS, SUCH AS THOSE LISTED BELOW.

➢ bolt cutters
➢ scissors
➢ saws
➢ knives and box cutters
➢ screwdrivers and chisels
➢ crowbars tire irons

PLACES AND SURFACES WHERE TOOLMARKS MIGHT BE OBSERVED IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

➢ human bone or cartilage

➢ door and window frames
➢ sections of sheet metal
➢ padlocks, doorknobs
➢ wire, chains
➢ bolts and locks

CASTING AND MOLDING

Casting and molding refers to the method of extracting an impression using a cast-like plaster of
paris inside a mold to recover the pattern for laboratory analysis. When an item like a shoe or a tire
comes into contact with a soft surface, it leaves a pattern indicating an impression. The collection and
analysis of impression evidence found at the scene of a crime can be crucial in an

PROCEDURE OF CASTING

The steps below outline the proper casting procedure.

➢ 1. Take a photograph and measure the impression.

➢ 2. Remove loose objects; debris embedded in the surface of impression should be
➢ retained.
➢ 3. Preserve the impression by spraying it with a fixative agent (hairspray) to make the
➢ surfaces repel the liquid to be poured into.
➢ 4. Place a retaining wall on the impression.
➢ 5. Mix the plaster of Paris with water with a 7:1 ratio.
➢ 6. Pour the plaster of Paris mixture into the impression.
➢ 7. Place the reinforcement material.
➢ 8. Pour the remaining mixture until it is 1-inch thick.
➢ 9. Allow the cast to harden for about 20 to 30 minutes.
➢ 10. Mark the output for identification (case number, place of casting, time and date of
➢ casting, name of person who made the cast, and other identifying marks; this is done
FIBERS AND HAIR (WEEK 2)

➢ Hair refers to slender, threadlike outgrowths of the epidermis, which forms a distinct type of
body covering in mammals. Only mammals have true hair; in fact, even apparently hairless
mammals, such as the rhinoceros„ elephant and armadillo, have hairs around the snout, at the
tip of the tail, and behind each scale, respectively. When the individual hairs are fine and closely
spaced, the coat of hair is called fur, when they are soft and matted together, they are called
wool. Meanwhile, coarse, stiff hairs are called bristles, and when these are pointed, they are
called quills as in the porcupine and hedgehog.
➢ In the field of forensic science, hair is one of the most common types of trace evidence found at
any, the. crime scene. Next to teeth and bones, hair is decay-resistant. Although it cannot fully
provide conclusive evidence, when used with other details, it has been proven to have an
essential role in criminal investigation. This is because hair transfer may occur during physical
contact between the victim and the suspect. Hair may fall out under conditions that the suspect
is not aware of and unable to guard against it. When properly identified, hair can be used to
identify either the suspect or the victim.

BIOLOGY OF HAIR

➢ It is composed of keratin, which is also the primary component of finger and toe nails.
➢ It is produced from the hair follicle, which is developed in humans during fetal development; no
new follicles are produced after birth.
➢ Hair color is mostly the result of pigments or chemical compounds reflecting certain wavelengths
of visible light.
➢ Hair shape (round or oval) and texture (curly or straight) are heavily influenced by genes. The
physical appearance of hair can also be influenced by nutritional status and intentional alteration
(heat curling, straightening, perms, coloring, etc.).

BODY AREA DETERMINATION OF HUMAN HAIRS

The body area from which a hair sample originated can be determined through general
morphology. The size, length, shape, stiffness, color, curliness, and microscopic appearance all contribute
to the determination of body area. Pigmentation and medullar appearance also influence body area
identification. Hair strands that exhibit microscopic characteristics shared by different anatomical areas
are called body hairs, which include hairs found on the lower abdomen, upper legs, and back. There is
also a wide range of variations in head and pubic hairs; thus the majority of work in forensics has focuses
on comparing and differentiating hairs from head and pubic regions.
HAIRS HAVE A NUMBER OF INNATE QUALITIES THAT MAKE THEM USEFUL AS TRACE EVIDENCE

➢ It is personal evidence originating directly from the individual

➢ It is continually falling from the body.
➢ It is easily detected, recovered and preserved.
➢ It is persistent and not easily destroyed.
➢ It is hard to hide or to throw away.
➢ It is relatively unchanging over time.
➢ It varies from person to person.
➢ It contains DNA.

LABORATORY ANALYSIS OF HAIR (Purposes of Examination)

The examination of hair is conducted for the following purposes:

➢ to determine whether the hair in question originated from an animal or human being and the
comparison of questioned and known hairs; and
➢ to ascertairi whether two or more individuals could have come into contact or whether one or
more individuals could have come into contact with an object.

VALUE OF FIBER AS EVIDENCE

The value of fibers as evidence in criminal cases has also been widely recognized due to several reasons
discussed below.

➢ First, fiber evidence is seldom conclusive by itself, but in conjunction with other details or
evidence.
➢ Fiber evidence can help locate a suspect at the scene of the
➢ crime.
➢ Fiber evidence can be interchanged between the victim and the suspect, especially in violent
crimes such as rape, assault, or murder. This interchange can help prove that the suspect and the
victim were in the same location. Such evidence can weaken the credibility of the rapist's alibi
(i.e., when he says that he was never around the victim).
ARSON CASES (WEEK 3)

ARSON

➢ Arson is a serious crime with devastating consequences. It can cause injuries and fatalities,
destroy property, and disrupt communities. As criminology students, it is important to
understand the science behind arson investigations and how forensic chemistry and toxicology
play a crucial role in bringing perpetrators to justice.
➢ arson is defined under Article 320 of the Revised Penal Code as the malicious burning of the
property of another.
➢ This includes the burning of buildings, vehicles, crops, and other valuables.
➢ The intent to cause damage is essential for a conviction.

SOURCES OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL

A wide range of materials can be used to start fires, including:

➢ Flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline, kerosene, alcohol)

➢ Accelerants (e.g., lighter fluid, paint thinner)
➢ Ignitable solids (e.g., paper, wood, clothing)
➢ Electrical sparks

Recognizing these potential sources is crucial for investigators to determine the origin and cause of
the fire.

IMPORTANCE OF MOTIVE

➢ Understanding the motive behind an arson can be vital in identifying the perpetrator.
➢ Motives can include revenge, anger, insurance fraud, financial gain, or covering up another
crime.
➢ Investigators will examine the scene, interview witnesses, and analyze evidence to establish the
motive.

THE FIRE TRIANGLE

The fire triangle is a fundamental concept in fire science.

➢ It states that three elements are necessary for combustion to occur:

o Heat
o Fuel
o Oxygen
➢ Understanding the fire triangle helps investigators determine how the fire started and identify
potential evidence.
COLLECTING THE EVIDENCE

➢ After a fire, it is crucial to collect evidence carefully and meticulously.

➢ This includes debris from the scene, samples of burned materials, ignitable liquids, and any
other items that may be useful in the investigation.
➢ Proper handling and preservation of evidence is essential to ensure its admissibility in court.

LABORATORY OF EVIDENCE ANALYSIS

➢ Forensic chemists and toxicologists play a critical role in analyzing evidence from arson scenes.
o Techniques used include:Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify
ignitable liquids and accelerants
o Trace element analysis to identify the origin of materials
o DNA testing to link suspects to the scene
➢ These analyses provide valuable information that can help investigators reconstruct the events
leading up to the fire and identify the perpetrator.

CONCLUSION

Arson is a complex crime that requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective investigation. By
understanding the principles of forensic chemistry and toxicology, criminology students can gain valuable
knowledge to assist in arson investigations and ensure that justice is served.

INK & PAINT (WEEK 4)

Ink and paint analysis are crucial tools in forensic chemistry and toxicology, playing a vital role in
criminal investigations. By analyzing the chemical composition of these materials, forensic scientists can
identify their origin, link them to specific sources, and reconstruct crime scenes.

INK: A liquid or paste containing coloring matter and other additives used for writing or printing.

PIGMENTS: Insoluble particles used to color paints, inks, and other materials. They are insoluble in the
medium in which they are dispersed.
IMPORTANCE OF INK ANALYSIS IN FORENSICS

➢ Questioned Document Examination: Identifying the type and source of ink used in documents
can help determine authenticity, detect forgery, and link suspects to crime scenes.
➢ Dating Documents: Analyzing the ink composition can help to estimate the age of documents,
crucial for establishing timelines and alibis.
➢ Individualization of Documents: Subtle variations in ink composition can be used to identify
specific pens and printers, further linking them to specific individuals.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PAINTS

Paints are complex mixtures consisting of:

➢ Pigments: Provide the color and opacity of the paint. Common pigments include titanium
dioxide (white), iron oxide (yellow, red, brown), and carbon black (black).
➢ Binders: Hold the pigment particles together and adhere them to the surface. Examples include
acrylics, oils, and alkyds.
➢ Solvents: Thin the paint and allow for smooth application. Common solvents are water, mineral
spirits, and turpentine.
➢ Additives: Enhance various properties like drying time, gloss, and resistance to weathering.
Examples include plasticizers, antifoaming agents, and UV absorbers.

VALUE OF PAINT AS EVIDENCE

➢ Durability: Paint can withstand harsh environmental conditions, preserving evidence for years.
➢ Unique Composition: Each paint batch has slight variations in its composition, allowing for
individualization and linking to specific sources.
➢ Transferability: Paint can readily transfer from objects to surfaces, providing valuable clues
about contact between objects and individuals.

OBTAINING PAINT STANDARDS

➢ Collect known paint samples from various sources like reference books, paint manufacturers,
and crime scenes.
➢ Document the origin, date of collection, and any other relevant information about the paint
standards.
➢ Store the standards securely in airtight containers to prevent contamination.
PROCESS OF FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF PAINTS

➢ Visual Examination: Initial analysis involves observing the paint's color, texture, and any visible
characteristics.
➢ Microscopic Examination: Using a microscope helps identify the pigment types, size distribution,
and presence of any unique particles.
➢ Chemical Analysis: Various techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy are employed to
determine the specific chemical composition of the paint.
➢ Comparison: Unknown paint samples are compared to known standards to identify potential
matches and establish links.

MOTOR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION

Forensic paint analysis plays a vital role in motor vehicle identification:

➢ Hit-and-Run Investigations: Paint chips found at accident scenes can be compared to suspect
vehicles to identify the perpetrator.
➢ Vehicle Tampering: Analyzing paint overspray can reveal attempts to alter a vehicle's appearance
and conceal its identity.
➢ Stolen Vehicle Recovery: Identifying paint layers on recovered vehicles can help trace their
ownership and connect them to theft cases.

CONCLUSION

➢ Ink and paint analysis serve as powerful tools in forensic chemistry and toxicology, aiding in
criminal investigations and providing valuable evidence for the legal system. By understanding
the composition and characteristics of these materials, forensic scientists can contribute to
bringing criminals to justice and ensure a safer society.

ULTRAVIOLET EXAMINATION (WEEK 5)

Ultraviolet examination plays a vital role in forensic investigation, especially in detecting and
analyzing trace evidence. It utilizes the invisible radiation of ultraviolet light to reveal substances that
fluoresce, emit visible light when exposed to this radiation. This presentation will explore the
fundamentals of ultraviolet examination, its applications in forensic science, and its significance in crime
scene investigation.

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible
light but longer than X-rays, ranging from 10 nanometers (nm) to 400 nm. While invisible to the human
eye, it possesses unique properties that allow us to analyze specific substances.
SOURCES OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

Several sources emit UV radiation in varying intensities, some of which are commonly used in forensic
investigations. Here are some significant sources:

➢ Natural sources: The sun is the most potent natural source of UV radiation. However, the
atmosphere absorbs most of the harmful UV-C radiation, leaving only UV-A and UV-B reaching
the Earth's surface.
o Artificial sources: Various artificial sources emit UV radiation, including: Long-wave UV
lamps: These portable lamps are commonly used in forensic investigations for detecting
hidden fingerprints and other trace evidence.
o Forensic light sources: These specialized lights combine various wavelengths, including
UV, to enhance the visualization of specific evidence.
o Fluorescent lamps: The inner coating of fluorescent lamps emits UV radiation that
excites the phosphor coating, producing visible light.

FLUORESCENCE

Fluorescence is a phenomenon in which a substance absorbs UV radiation and then re-emits it at a

longer wavelength, typically within the visible spectrum. This re-emitted light causes the substance to
appear to glow under UV light.

TYPES OF FLUORESCENCE:

➢ Primary fluorescence: This type of fluorescence occurs directly from the excited state of the
molecule.
➢ Secondary fluorescence: This type of fluorescence involves energy transfer between molecules,
leading to the emission of light from a different molecule than the one initially excited by UV
radiation.

Applications of fluorescence in forensic investigations:

➢ Differentiate between natural fibers and synthetic fibers.

➢ Identify age-related changes in documents and other materials.
➢ Determine the presence of certain chemicals and drugs.
ROLES OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT IN FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS

➢ Detection of latent fingerprints: Fingerprint residues containing oils and proteins naturally
fluoresce under UV light, making them visible even if they are faint or invisible to the naked eye.
➢ Analysis of body fluids: Blood, semen, and other bodily fluids often contain compounds that
fluoresce under UV light, aiding in their identification and location.
➢ Examination of documents: Forgeries, alterations, and invisible markings on documents can be
identified using UV light. This is because certain inks and papers may contain components that
fluoresce under UV light, making them readily visible.
➢ Identification of fibers and textiles: The composition of fibers can be determined based on their
unique fluorescence patterns. This can be helpful in linking suspects to crime scenes.
➢ Detection of marked money: Banks and law enforcement agencies utilize UV powder to mark
banknotes, allowing for identification of stolen or counterfeit money. This technique is simple to
use and highly effective in deterring counterfeiting and identifying stolen money.