forensicexaminationandanalysisofpapermatches083007.doc（15页）.doc

The Forensic Examination and Analysis of Paper Matches Thomas J. Hopen, Arson and Explosive Section, ATF Forensic Science Laboratory, 2600 Century Parkway, NE, Suite 410, Atlanta, GA 30345 Chris Taylor, US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, Trace Evidence Branch, 4930 N 31st Street, Forest Park, GA 30297 Larry Peterson, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Trace Evidence Section, 3121 Panthersville Road, Decatur, GA 30034 Walter Rantanen, Integrated Paper Services, Inc., 3211 East Capitol Drive, Appleton, WI 54911 Abstract A brief discussion on the history and production of paper matches will be presented plus an overview of 10 key physical characteristics the analyst can determine when comparing a paper match to a book of matches. Also, a summary will be presented on the information that can be obtained by the examination and comparison of match heads and/or match stems by PLM, SEM-EDS, XRF, TLC, and MSP. In addition to these traditional techniques listed above, this presentation will discuss the value of characterizing the paper content of the match stems as well as the use of Adobe? Photoshop? in the comparison of the match stem color. Introduction Paperbook matches are sometimes encountered at crime scenes and submitted as evidence to a forensic laboratory. Arson and bombing incidents are the most common types of cases where matches are utilized in the commission of a crime. A match collected at a crime scene may be intact or partially burned and sometimes both types may be present. Match evidence becomes extremely important when a matchbook from a suspect is obtained and submitted to be compared with a match or matches recovered from a scene. This paper will present a brief overview of the history of matches, how paper matches are manufactured, and the physical characteristics that one can quickly determine to provide a wealth of comparative information. Also, this paper will discuss the use of several different analytical procedures that can be e