The physical evidence section was formed July 1st, 2006. It is composed of a new evidence collection or serology unit and a trace evidence unit (formerly the trace evidence section). The purpose of the new evidence collection unit is to reduce the number of people handling evidence.
The physical evidence section handles a large variety of cases including, but not limited to, rapes, homicides, burglaries, motor vehicle hit-and-runs, property crimes, and arsons.
The evidence collection unit collects tape lifts from evidence submitted where hairs and fibers may prove probative. They also analyze items of evidence for body fluids (blood, semen, urine, and feces.).
The trace evidence unit analyses hairs, fibers, glass, paint, GSR, physical matches, duct tape, unknown substances, accelerants and arson debris.
The instruments used for analysis are the stereomicroscope, polarized light microscope, GRIM2 (Glass Refractive Index Measurement), µFTIR (Fourier Transform InfraRed), microspectrophotometer, SEM/EDS (Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy Dispersive Spectrometer), GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer).
Upon their analyses, analysts will write a report on their findings. Analysts will also appear in court for expert testimony, if needed.