What We Do
Provide chemical analysis and physical comparisons of many different types of materials and trace evidence.
Examinations are performed in order to identify a material in question or to determine if it could have originated from a particular source. The examinations and findings may also be useful as an investigative aid in cases where no suspect has yet been identified, or by associating a person with a particular location or occurrence, and may assist in establishing a sequence of events. In addition, identifying a material used at the time of an incident may be used to support or refute a witness statement.
Services
See details of the Chemistry Section's services
Chemical Identification and Comparison
identification of unknown solids and liquids
identification of dangerous or toxic materials in food products
Dye-Pack Dye
- identification of dye-pack dye from bank security devices on items such as currency, clothing, swabs
Explosives
- analysis of all types of explosives and post-blast debris including device components
Fibres
- identification and comparison of fibres from clothing, carpeting, rope, vehicles and other objects
Fire Evidence
- analysis of fire debris and other items for the presence of ignitable liquids such as petroleum products, alcohols, solvents, oils
Glass
comparison of recovered glass with broken glass from a scene
glass type determination
fracture analysis and direction of impact
Gunshot Residue
- examination of hand kits, clothing and vehicles for gunshot residue particles
Hair
analysis of human and animal hair
assessment as to suitability for DNA testing
Lachrymators
- identification of pepper spray, tear gas, mace in dispensers and on items such as clothing, towels, swabs
Metals
- identification and comparison of all types of metals including alloys, steels, precious metals
Paint
comparison of recovered paint chips and smears with paint from a known origin
vehicle make/model/year determination in hit-and-run investigations
Physical Match
- examination of broken, cut or torn materials to determine if they were once part of the same object
Plastics and Polymers
- identification and comparison of all types of plastics e.g., car parts, foams, glues
Serial Number Restoration
- Restoration of damaged serial numbers on items such as firearms using physical and chemical techniques
Sexual Lubricants
- analysis of condom and personal lubricants on swabs and clothing
Tape
examination of tapes including duct tape, electrical tape and tape adhesives
physical matching of tape ends
Textile Damage Assessment
- determination of type of damage and possible implement used