OSBI Trace Evidence Unit

Paint evidence can be useful in cases involving automotive or architectural paint. The evidence gathered can be used to determine if paint chips or smears could have originated from a common source. Automotive paint evidence can be analyzed to determine a possible make/model of an automobile with the assistance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Paint Data Query (PDQ) database in instances where the suspect vehicle is unknown. The instrumentation used for paint analysis includes the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Microspectrophotomer (MSP), Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS), and various microscopes.​

Physical or Fracture match can be thought of as an intricate jigsaw puzzle. The edges of broken or torn objects are used to determine if two or more pieces were once a singular object. Various microscopes and photography techniques can be used to help with a physical match.

Fire debris analysis can help determine if an ignitable liquid was present in a fire. The collected fire debris or liquid is analyzed using a Gas Chromatograph / Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS). If an ignitable liquid is found, it is classified using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), E1618, Committee E-30. It is important to remember that ignitable liquids can be totally consumed in a fire, and a negative finding of ignitable liquids does not mean that ignitable liquids were not used in a fire.

Download and review the Ignitable Liquids PowerPoint pdf

Gunshot residue is the residue produced from the discharge of a firearm originating from the primer of the cartridge. This residue can be deposited on the hands and clothing of an individual who has discharged or is near someone who has discharged a firearm. This residue can also be transferred to an individual or object. A Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS) is used to identify elements found in the primer mixture of most firearm cartridges and to visualize the shape of the particles.

Tape/adhesive analysis is used to determine if a common source exists between two or more items of tape evidence. Physical characteristics, as well as chemical composition and even physical match analysis, can be used in this area. The instrumentation used for tape/adhesive analysis includes Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Microspectrophotomer (MSP), Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS), and various microscopes.