The Trace Section is responsible for performing primer gunshot residue analysis, fire debris analysis, physical fit / fracture examinations, and general chemical unknown analysis. The section is currently in the process of developing capabilities in the trace discipline of paint and polymer analysis.

Watch the Trace Section Video

Watch the Trace Section Report Interpretation Video


Types of Testing:

• Primer Gunshot Residue (P-GSR): Analyze evidence for the presence or absence of primer gunshot residue particles that result from the discharge of a firearm.
• Fire Debris: Analyze material from fire scenes for the presence of ignitable liquids.
• Physical Fit / Fracture Examinations: Examination of evidence to determine if two or more items were at one time joined together as a single item.
• General Chemical Unknowns: Analyze evidence to chemically identify or generally classify evidence samples. Examples include illegal substances in baby formula, drink tampering with cleaning solution, sugar in gas tanks, or sodium nitrite in suspected suicides.