Trace Materials

Our mission is to examine small to microscopic items of evidence, sometimes no larger than a grain of sand. This includes examinations of paint, polymers, glass, fibers, and fracture match. Examples of comparisons include: paint found on a hit and run victim compared to a suspect's vehicle; glass from suspect's clothes compared with broken glass from a crime scene; or fibers recovered from a person or scene compared to the clothing from a suspect or victim. Analysts also examine cut, broken, or torn objects to determine if they were at one time part of the same object. Analytical procedures include the use of chemicals, various types of microscopy, and sophisticated instrumentation. If needed by a court of law, an analyst may present their findings to a jury during a criminal trial.
 
 
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Casework Statistics
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Trace Materials Evidence Turnaround Time (Days) Trace Materials Evidence Statistics

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.