Free The Forensic Science Essay Sample
The forensic paint can be examined by the forensic scientist on a hit and run accident through carrying out forensic paint analysis in the laboratory. When an accident occurs, paint can be used in carrying out investigation because paints are the significant source of tracing evidence. This is because paints may either be transferred from one car to another especially on a hit and run accident to the victim. In this case, the forensic scientists can carry out paint analysis for an accident investigation. Thus, a variety of varied chemical analysis methods should be taken in order to find out the actual composition of the paint since paints have both organic and inorganic components.
Micro-spectrophotometer technique would be employed in determining the pigment nature (Bell, 2004). This is because paints in the form of a chip are solid; thus, chromatography technique may be used in separating the composition. This is then injected into the chromatograph gas which will separate the components. The components can be determined using mass spectrometry, which creates fingerprints compared to the samples. The forensic investigator can compare the samples using appropriate technique in determining if the paint originates from the same source.
One of the things anticipated being the strengths of the resulting evidence is the use of the light microscope or scanning electron microscope by viewing through the jigsaw. This is done in order to fit it with the flakes and chipped edge. This can narrow down the sample or even the car year thus making it is easy to catch the driver. However, the weakness is that paint samples are usually difficult to collect from the accident scene. This is because they sometimes mingle with other materials such as dirt or car grease. Moreover, removing it from the surface of the vehicle requires a specific task. Great care needs to be taken in order to remove the paint from the undermost layer which surrounds the paint.
The issue that can be developed in minimizing the impact of the paint evidence in a cross examination in diffusing the reflectance paint measurements to surface conditions, such as weathering, abrasion, contaminations or texture. This can provide discriminating information when the examiner in trying to distinguish the surface differences originally painted (Campbell, 2000). This will impact the paint evidence thus protecting the client from being arrested.
The evidence can be assured through carrying out investigations and taking the small fragments of plastic as well as glass to the laboratory for testing. However, before that, the general area and body location can be measured. Some descriptions of the surrounding area should be given. A meteorological investigation can be done in order to determine the temperature on different parts of the corpse as well as the general weather conditions.
The laboratory tests that can be performed include screening the fragments of the plastic and glasses. This is through using gas chromatograph technique, which separates volatile components that pass through the absorbent column (Owen, 2000). At the laboratory, the forensic investigator can vaporize the tiny glass fragments in order to provide volatile gases for analysis. Mostly, the accelerants are mixed with burned materials making them easy for identification through examining them. The gas chromatograph breaks the samples apart, thus separating the ionized fragments through mass and charge (Fridell, 2007). Use of computers in material identification when making comparison of fragments is vital especially when the samples are small.
The likely evidential value of the results when the above laboratory tests have been done is that the comparisons can be easily possible. This will enable the forensic investigators to link the composition of the fragments to the criminal. Thus, through the use of microscopic by viewing the samples, the number plate or something linked to the vehicle, which caused an accident can be detected.
The evidence that should be collected for laboratory submission is the residue of the shotgun and the semi-automatic pistol confiscated from the vehicle. Additionally, the suspects should be present. This is because their hands would be screened and some laboratory tests would be done to the individuals being in proximity to the weapons.
The test that can be performed is forensic analysis whereby the shotgun can be taken to the laboratory for testing. Before carrying out the test, one should unload the bullets, and the forensic scientists carrying out the investigation should first wash the hands. They should then dry them thoroughly. This is done to avoid direct contact or swab the hands of the suspects caught. After drying the hands, the forensic investigator should put gloves provided to prevent contamination. The cotton used for swabbing the hands of the criminals can be moistened and four drops of nitric acid solution should be added (Campbell, 2000). The swab can be placed immediately on the labeled plastic bag and any information required is filled. It is recommendable to use the swabs provided in the laboratory kit box only.
Additionally, the moist swab can be used to wipe the right palm of the suspect as well as the finger area. The reason is to determine if the suspects used the convicted shot gun or not. The same procedure can be done on the left hand side because sometimes the suspect can use one hand when firing. These collections can be placed in the laboratory kit for further testing. The firearms examination can be done, and laboratory sampling done too to determine if suspects are guilty or not.