First lessons regarding the data analysis of physicochemical traces at activity level in TTADB

Abstract

Abstract If transfer traces inform about the source from which they originate, they also have an informative potential on their generating activity. To help practitioners interpret such traces and assess their evidential value at the activity level, this research aims at producing a structured knowledge base on physicochemical transfer traces here defined as ignitable liquids, cosmetics, explosives, narcotics and paints. Studies focusing on background, persistence, transfer and contamination assessment (e.g. washing machines, laboratory), mimicking operative situations (e.g. cross transfers of paint from crowbars onto door frames from a burglary), and covering different supports (e.g. textiles, plastics, doors) were privileged with a special concern for the Canadian relevancy. This research also helps highlighting gaps of knowledge in the overall literature, hence, new research to launch.