TRACE EVIDENCE SECTION

The Trace Evidence Section of the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory is responsible for a broad area of forensics concerned with many scientific methods of analysis. It consists of arson analysis, glass comparison/analysis, gunshot residue analysis, lamp analysis, paint comparison/analysis, speed determinations from speedometers, and various other miscellaneous types of analyzes involving identifications, physical matches, and comparisons. The Trace Evidence Section also has a valuable resource at its disposal called Paint Database Query (PDQ). This is a national and international database consisting of automotive paint data. For example, this database can be used to help determine the make, model, and year of an automobile from a sample of paint found at the scene. Quality control through an effective quality assurance program is an essential element in the philosophy of the Trace Evidence Section as well as the other Sections in the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements for employment in the Trace Evidence Section consist of a four year degree with a major in Chemistry, or a four year degree in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Chemistry.