Priority Action Report

Materials (Trace)

Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis

Susan Gross, Chair

February 23, 2016
Materials (Trace)

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The subcommittee on Materials 

(Trace) will focus on standards 

and guidelines related to 

examination and interpretation 

of physical evidence that may 

result from the transfer of small 

or minute quantities of materials 

(e.g., hairs, fibers, paint, tape, 

glass). 
Subcommittee Leadership

Position Name Organization Term Email

Chair Susan Gross Minnesota BCA 3 sue.t.gross@state.mn.us

Vice Chair Diana Wright FBI Laboratory 4 diana.wright@ic.fbi.gov

Executive 

Secretary

Cheryl Lozen Michigan State 

Police

2 lozenc@michigan.gov

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Subcommittee Members

# Name Organization Term Email

1 Leanora Bender Retired BATF Laboratory 2 Leebrunconti.yahoo.com

2 Jodi Blakely Webb FBI Laboratory 4 jodi.webb@ic.fbi.gov

3 Alicia L. Carriquiry Iowa State University 2 alicia@iastate.edu

4 David A. Green Lake County (Ohio) Crime Lab 3 david.green@lakecountyohio.gov

5 Andria Hobbs Mehltretter FBI Laboratory 4 andria.mehltretter@ic.fbi.gov

6 Tammy Jergovich Georgia Bureau of Investigation 2 tammy.jergovich@gbi.ga.gov

7 Sandy Koch Penn State University 3 slk336.psu.edu

8 Amy Michaud BATF Laboratory 2 amy.michaud@atf.gov

9 Christopher S. Palenik Microtrace LLC (Illinois) 4 cpalenik@microtracellc.com

10 Sandy Parent TX Dept of Public Safety Crime Lab 3 sandy.parent@dps.texas.gov

11 Chip Pollock Sacramento County (California) District 

Attorney’s Office Laboratory

3 pollockc@sacda.org

12 Jennifer L. Remy North Carolina State Crime Laboratory 3 jremy@ncdoj.gov

13 Stephen Shaw FBI Laboratory 3 stephen.shaw@ic.fbi.gov

14 Chantelle Taylor Arkansas State Crime Laboratory 2 chantelle.taylor@crimelab.arkansas.gov

15 Tatiana Trejos Florida International University 4 trejost@fiu.edu

16 Jennifer Verkouteren National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST)

4 jennifer.verkouteren@nist.gov

17 Robyn Weimer Virginia Dept of Forensic Science 4 3 robyn.weimer@dfs.va.gov
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MATERIALS (Trace) Subcommittee
Subcommittee Liaisons

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Position Name

QIC Liaison David Green

HFC Liaison Andria Mehltretter

LRC Liaison Sandy Koch

KAVI Liaison Tatiana Trejos
Task Group Chairs

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Task Group Name

Interpretations Andria Mehltretter

Outreach and Strategic Plan Sandy Parent

Fibers Jen Remy

Glass Jodi Webb

Hairs Amy Michaud/Sandy Koch

Paint Diana Wright

Tape Tammy Jergovich

Research Alicia Carriquiry/Tatiana Trejos
Summary of Standards/Guidelines 

Priority Actions

Priority Working Title of Document

1 Standard Practice for Interpretation and Report Writing in Forensic Comparisons of 

Trace Materials

1 OUTREACH

1 E2809 Standard Guideline for Using SEM/EDS in Forensic Paint Examinations

E2927 LA-ICP-MS for glass

E2224 Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Fibers by IR Spectroscopy

Forensic Human Hair Training

E1967 Standard Test Method for the automated Determination of RI of Glass Samples

IR of tape

Tape training document

E2225 Standard Guide for Forensic Examination of Fabrics and Cordage

E2228 Standard Guide for Microscopic Examination of Textile Fibers

E2808 Standard Guideline for using MSP for forensic paint examinations

Paint training document

Forensic Human Hair Examination Guidelines

Tape general guide

PGC for polymers

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Standards to move Forward

Title Organization

(RA2) Standard Test Method for Forensic Comparison of Glass 

Using Micro X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

Comments adjudicated. SAC voted to put on registry. At FSSB.

ASTM E2926

(RA-3) Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Elements 

in Soda-Lime Glass Samples Using Laser Ablation Inductively 

Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Forensic Comparisons

SAC did not approve. Glass task group editing.

ASTM E2927

(RA-4) Standard Test Method for Determination of Concentrations 

of Elements in Glass Samples Using Inductively Coupled Plasma 

Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for Forensic Comparisons

Comments adjudicated. SAC voted to put on registry. At FSSB.

ASTM E2330

(RA-1) Standard Test Method for the Automated Determination of 

Refractive Index of Glass Samples Using the Oil Immersion 

Method and a Phase Contrast Microscope

SAC did not approve. Glass task group editing.

ASTM E1967

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Guidelines to move Forward

Title Organization

(RA-5) Standard Guide for Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison

SAC voted to proceed. Went out for public comment.

ASTM E1610

(RA-6) Standard Guide for using Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic 

Paint Examinations

SAC voted to proceed. Went out for public comment.

ASTM E2937

(RA-7) Standard Guide for Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Xray Spectrometry in Forensic Paint Examinations 

Subcommittee voting on Registry Packet. 

ASTM E2809

(SDO-04) Standard Guide for Microspectrophotometry and Color 

Measurement in Forensic Paint Analysis

Task group editing it with some current updates per ASTM 

required 5 year review.

ASTM E2808

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Topic 1: Trace Evidence Interpretation

Task Group Name: Trace Evidence Interpretation

Task Group Chair Name: Andria Mehltretter

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

andria.mehltretter@ic.fbi.gov

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 29, 2016

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Document Title: Standard Practice for Interpretation and Report Writing in 

Forensic Comparisons of Trace Materials

Scope: Document describes the information that must be included in trace 

evidence written reports for interpretation of the overall results of 

comparative examinations.

Objective/rationale: to provide recommendations and requirements to the 

trace evidence community regarding how to interpret and describe the 

significance of the overall results of a comparative examination. 
Topic 1: (SDO-06) Standard Practice for 

Interpretation and Report Writing in 

Forensic Comparisons of Trace Materials

Key Components of Standard:

- Context of association

- Significance assessment

- Fiber reporting

- Glass reporting

- Hair reporting

- Paint reporting

- Tape reporting

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Task Group Action Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., SDO 

100) 

Assignee Estimated Completion 

Date

Wrote draft copy of interpretations 

document addressing fibers, glass, hair, 

paint and tape comparisons

Entire task group

Solicited feedback from the Materials 

subcommittee at January meeting

Entire task group

Incorporate feedback from the Materials 

subcommittee on draft

SDO-200 Entire task group February 2016

Send appendices to discipline task 

groups for feedback/editing of 

discipline specific sections

Fiber, glass, hair, 

paint and tape 

group chairs

May 2016

Send out entire document to

subcommittee for comment

SDO-300 Andria 

Mehltretter

July 2016

Topic 1: (SDO-06) Interpretations Document

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Topic 2: Trace Evidence Strategic Plan 

and Outreach Initiative

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Task Group Name: Trace Outreach 

Task Group Chair Name: Sandy Parent

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

sandy.parent@dps.texas.gov

Date of last Task Group Meeting: January 29, 2016

• Identify the perception, reality and needs of the Trace Evidence (TE) 

community, which will determine our strategic planning goals. 

• Determine opportunities to promote TE by communicating its significance 

to ensure preservation of the field and ultimately move TE forward.

• Create educational material to be distributed to various levels of the 

community (e.g., crime scene analysts, law enforcement agencies, labs 

(without trace), court systems, etc.).
Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., SDO 

100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Developed and reviewed 2 surveys: 

Lab managers and trace practitioners. 

Creating educational material for 

crime scene personnel.

Sandy Parent

Send out survey to Attorneys Sandy Parent February 29, 2016

Compile and review results of 

Attorney survey

Sandy Parent June 1, 2016

Create strategic plan based on results of 

all surveys

All members October 1, 2016

Compose relevant/position paper for 

trace evidence and strategic plan

All members April 2017

Topic 2: Outreach Task Group

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Topic 3: Fiber Documents

Task Group Name: Fibers

Task Group Chair Name: Jen Remy

Task Group Chair Contact Information: jremy@ncdoj.gov

Date of last Task Group Meeting: January 29, 2016

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Document Titles:

(SDO-02) E2224 Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Fibers by IR 

(SDO-03) E2225 Standard Guide for Analysis of Fabrics/Cordage

(SDO-05) E2228 Standard Guide for Micro Exam of Textile Fibers

Fiber training

Scope: Standard guides for different fiber techniques
Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

E2224 put forward to 

subcommittee/SAC/RC for comment

Adjudicate comments for E2224 SDO-400 Entire task group

Update E2225 (fabrics/cordage) and put 

forward to subcommittee/SAC/RC for 

comment

SDO-200 Jen Remy February 28, 2016

Update E2228 (Micro exams of textiles) SDO-200 Stephen Shaw July 2016

Start fiber training guide SDO-0 TBD

Topic 3: Fiber Documents

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action Plan
Topic 4: Hair Documents

Task Group Name: Hair

Task Group Chair Name: Amy Michaud

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

amy.michaud@atf.gov 

Date of last task group meeting: January 29, 2016

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Document Titles: (SDO-01) Hair training document

(SDO-08) Human hair examination document

Scope: Provide standard for training in human hair comparisons as well as 

a guideline for the examination of human hair comparisons
Topic 4: Hair Documents

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Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Sent hair training guide to 

subcommittee, SAC and RC

Adjudicate comments for hair training

Send hair document to subcommittee 

and SAC for vote prior to SDO

SDO-400 Sandy Koch March 2016

Format hair exam guide into ASTM 

format and send to subcommittee, SAC, 

and RC for comments

SDO-200 Amy Michaud April 1, 2016

Task Group/Subcommittee Action Plan
Topic 5: Glass Documents

Task Group Name: Glass

Task Group Chair Name: Jodi Webb

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

jodi.webb@ic.fbi.gov

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: January 29, 2016

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Document Title: (RA-1) E1967 Standard Method for RI

(RA-3) E2927 Standard Method for LA-ICP-MS for glass

Scope: Standard test methods for two different types of glass analysis

Issues/Concerns: Updated document with comments from subcommittee, 

SAC and Resource committees
Topic 5: Glass Documents

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Adjudicated comments for E2330

Adjudicated comments for E2926

Edited E1967 (will send out for comment 

/vote to subcommittee, SAC, RC)

Resubmit E1967 to ASTM SDO-400 David Green July 2016

Edit E2927 and resubmit to ASTM SDO-400 Tatiana Trejos July 2016

Write general guideline for forensic glass 

analysis and comparison 

SDO-200 Jodi Webb January 2017

Submit glass guideline to subcommittee,

SAC, and RC for comment

SDO-400 Jodi Webb January 2017
Topic 6: Tape and Paint Documents (1)

Task Group Name: Paint/Tape

Task Group Chair Name: Diana Wright

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

diana.wright@ic.fbi.gov

Date of last task group meeting: January 29, 2016

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Document Title: 

(RA-7) E2809 Standard Guide for SEM for forensic paint analysis

(SDO-04) E2808 Standard Guide for MSP for forensic paint analysis

(SDO-07) Standard Guide for IR for forensic tape analysis

Standard Guide for PGC for forensic polymer analysis

Scope: Standard guides for different paint and tape techniques
Topic 6: Tape/Paint Documents (1)

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Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated Completion 

Date

Registry packets for E1610 and E2937

Formatted PGC for polymers and sent to 

subcommittee for comment/vote

Edited IR for tape (sent to ASTM)

Registry packet for E2809 (SEM for paint) RA-200 Diana Wright February 2016

Adjudicating comments for IR of tape (from 

ASTM)

SDO-1000 Diana Wright February 2016

Reviewing E2808 (MSP for paint) for ASTM 5 

year review

SDO-200 Chris Palenik April 2016

Adjudicating subcommittee comments for 

PGC for polymers

SDO-300 Tammy Jergovich June 2016

Task Group/Subcommittee Action Plan
Topic 7: Tape and Paint Documents (2)

Task Group Name: Paint/Tape (2)

Task Group Chair Name: Tammy Jergovich

Task Group Chair Contact Information: 

tammy.jergovich@gbi.ga.gov

Date of last task group meeting: January 29, 2016

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Document Title: (SDO-09) Standard guide for tape training

Standard guide for paint training

Standard guide for forensic tape analysis 

Scope: Standard practice for training in paint and tape

Standard guide for forensic tape analysis
Topic 7: Tape/Paint documents (2)

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated Completion 

Date

Create tape training document

Incorporate comments from LRC from hair 

training 

Summit tape training document to 

subcommittee, SAC and RC for comment

SDO-400 Tammy Jergovich

Adjudicate comments and submit to ASTM Tammy Jergovich April 30, 2016

Write paint training guideline SDO-200 Chantelle Taylor April 30, 2016

Write tape general guideline SDO-200 Kathy Boone June 30, 2016
Topic 7: Research

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated Completion 

Date

Create a research priority master list using 

resources such as existing SWGMAT research 

recommendations, survey from Trace 

Evidence Community and research interests 

from main funding agencies

Entire task group

Complete OSAC research assessment form for 

top 2 research needs

Tatiana Trejos

Incorporate feedback from the Materials 

subcommittee

Entire task group
Research Gaps Identified

•Development of an Integrated and 

Multidisciplinary Approach for the Advancement 

of Data Collection, Data Management and Data 

Analysis to Aid Interpretation of Trace 

Evidence.

•Evaluation of Combined Information Value of 

Microscopic Comparisons and Mitochondrial 

DNA Analysis for Hair Examinations.

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Additional Items of Interest

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• Interpretation document is a focus because the community 

has asked specifically for us to provide guidance in this area

• Working with other subcommittees on a Terminology 

document specific for Trace (Materials, Geology, Fire 

Debris/Explosives and Gun Shot Residue) 

• We are looking to replace some members on the 2 year term 

as well as the Materials subcommittee will be increasing in 

size. We are also adding affiliates when needed. If 

interested, keep application current within OSAC for ease of 

our reference.