The unit maintains reference collections of human and animal
hair, natural and man-made textile fibers, fabrics, feathers and wood.
Hair
Hair examinations can determine if a hair is animal or human. If animal, the
species and possibly breed of the animal can be determined. If human, the
race, body area, length, root type (naturally shed/forcibly removed), and
any artificial treatment, damage, or disease can be determined. Hairs associated
by microscopic comparison are also examined by the Mitochondrial
DNA Unit.
Fiber
Fiber examinations can determine if a fiber is natural or manmade. Questioned
fibers can be compared to fibers from a known source to determine if they
are consistent with having originated from that source. Questioned fibers
can also be compared to other questioned fibers to determine if they are
consistent with originating from the same source, though that source is not
known.
Fabric
Fabric examinations can determine if a questioned piece of fabric and a known
piece of fabric are consistent in color, construction, and composition. Fabric
matches may also be done that can positively associate the questioned and
known pieces.
Feather
Feather examinations can determine the species of bird that a feather came
from, and questioned and known samples of feathers can be compared.
Wood
Wood examinations can determine the species of wood, compare questioned
and known samples of wood, and do fracture and cut end matches.
Other
Additional examinations undertaken in the unit include: cordage, glass,
soil, anthropological, building material, and gemstone examinations.