PSSg Gerry G.
Dacquil January 12,2021
PSJLC 2020 – 01
Virtual Crime Lab Tour
1. List six Section of the lab or type of criminalists describe.
Firearms and tool-mark Unit - applies valid scientific techniques to forensic analyses of
firearms, ammunition parts, tool marks, serial number restoration, gunshot residue,
bullet trajectories, and other closely related physical evidence, and provides leadership
to the forensic firearm and tool mark group by educating the FBI and other law
enforcement agencies.
Forensic Imaging Unit – It consists of personnel trained in forensic imaging techniques
and video analysis using scientific examination comparison and evaluation of evidence
in legal matters.
Latent Prints Unit – investigates evidence for the presence of fingerprints, palm prints,
and bare footprints. Compared with submitted requirements or those from state.
Trace Evident Unit – describes and compares particular forms of trace materials that
may be transported during a violent crime commission. Human hair, animal hair, cloth
fibers and fabric, rope, dirt, glass, and construction materials comprise these trace
materials.
Forensic Biology and DNA Unit – to analyze physical evidence for the location,
identification and performance of DNA tests on a variety of biological materials. The
department performs studies on murders such as murder and sex abuse cases, but also
conducts checks on thefts, assaults, and a number of property crimes.
Crime Scene Unit – to assist detectives with response to and processing of
approximately 5,000 crime scenes each year.
2. Describe three type of evidence and how they are examined or tested in two section on the
tour
Biological Evidence – stored in a walk-in freezer until its ready for DNA Analysis.
- Step 1: DNA Extraction which is done to purify the DNA in a sample
- Step 2: After DNA Extraction, samples are passed through a secure chamber from the
pre-amplification to the post amplification laboratory.
- Step 3: DNA Quantitation which determines how much DNA is present in each sample
- Step 4: Amplification Step where the DNA is copied millions of times.
Firearms Evidence – checks on firearms to see if they are working properly this includes
test firing of firearms of four bullet and cartridge-case specimens for possible
comparison with evidence.
Tool-Mark Evidence – It undergo in Gun Powder Pattern Testing (Proximity testing) to
determine the distance a firearm was from a victim.
3. List 4 Equipment used in the Lab and described their use.
Cyanoacrylate Fuming Chamber (Super Glue Chamber) - are designed to safely produce
latent fingerprints using ethyl cyanoacrylate (CNA) vapor in a regulated environment for
optimal effectiveness and protection where moisture and fuming time are critical
factors. The tamper safe compartment helps preserve the chain of custody.
Electron Microscope - Electron microscopy (EM) is a method for collecting biological
and non-biological specimens with high resolution images. It is used to investigate the
precise structure of tissues, cells, organelles and macromolecular complexes. It can
magnify items up to 300,000 times their normal size.
Comparison Microscope - used to examine specimens side-by-side. It consists of two
microscopes linked by an optical bridge, resulting in a split view window that allows for
simultaneous viewing of two different objects.
Ion Chromatography – modern chemical analysis instrument, used to identify chemical
ions contained in debris from explosives investigations.
4. List 3 types of databases and their application discussed during the tour.
Federal Database – That searches criminal civil and military print records. It assists the
examiner to identify latent prints by returning a list of possible matches based on
unique characteristics of each print.
State Database – That searches criminal and civil print records. It assists the examiner to
identify latent prints by returning a list of possible matches based on unique
characteristics of each print.
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) – is the largest DNA catalog in the world with
over 14 million profiles CODIS is used by law enforcement agencies in the United States
to help resolve unsolved cases.
