The OSBI Trace Evidence Unit analyzes several types of evidence including FIBERS, PAINT, GUNSHOT RESIDUE, IGNITABLE LIQUIDS, and several others. A Trace Evidence Analyst spends years training in these specified fields. Each sub-discipline takes dedication and hundreds of hours in training in order to become proficient.
Trace Evidence is that type of evidence that cannot be seen by the human eye without instrumental assistance. These instruments include stereo and polarized light microscopes, the microspectrophotometer (MSP) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometer (EDS), Gas Chromatograph with Mass Selective Detector (GCMS), and Pyrolysis GCMS are instruments that are also utilized in the Trace Unit. These instruments identify unknown substances that are connected with various types of crimes.