11.8: Summary

In summary, Edmond Locard and Paul Kirk both opined that one of the most critical roles of the forensic technician is the task of locating trace and transfer evidence; some of which is latent to the human eye. Therefore, it is essential for the forensic technician to utilize all the tools that are available to them in their forensic toolbox. Amongst these tools are the magnifying glass, an Alternate Light Source or forensic light source, enhancement chemicals, knowledge of the appearance and identification of the developed or enhanced evidence, and the ability to document the evidence in a manner suitable for the presentation of that visualized evidence in courtroom proceedings. One benefit of the ALS is that it can, when following agency protocols, be used without concern for interference with subsequent DNA typing, providing you are careful when using short-wave ultra-violet light. Therefore, it is advisable that the ALS is used for the visualization of garments or footwear for bloodstain evidence, especially using the 415nm wavelength, before the application of chemiluminescent products.

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