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organic and synthetic matter can vary even with in a few feet (Chayko & Gulliver, 1999). Sandy soils look, feel and behave quite differently from clay soils or peaty soils. By profiling an array of characteristics of each soil, it is somtimes possible to attribute those characteristics to a specific location (Steck, 2004). Soil samples when properly taken can tell an investigator a lot about where a victim or suspect has been. Analysis of soil samples taken from vehicles can also tell an investigator about where a vehicle has been. Analysis of foot wear, clothing and tires can also place a suspect or victim in a particular location.

Collection of Samples

Collection of soil samples will depend on the circumstances of the crime. Indoor scenes will differ markedly from outdoor scenes in the type of evidence that can be recovered and the way in which these samples are collected.

At indoor scenes there may be footprints in soil or in dust. Samples made by footwear should be photographed to scale before being recovered. The particle samples can best be collected using a vacuum method. The samples can be vacuumed with a portable vacuum cleaner equipped with a special attachment. The attachment has a metal screen on which a filter paper is attached. The area is vacuumed and the filter is removed and labeled with the date, location, time and name of the technician who operated the vacuum. The vacuum must be thoroughly cleaned between samples. Cleaning can be fairly easily done with handhelds where the parts are easy to access. Reference samples from the surrounding area perhaps including flower gardens, points of entry and exit and alibi locations should also be taken.

Information on obtaining these specialized vacuum attachments can be obtained through Serchie Laboratories Inc. in Youngsville N.C..

In the case of a break and enter or other crime at a home or business it is useful to know how the perpetrator entered the building. For example, if the perpetrator stood in a flower garden outside a window this indicates a stranger. If the perpetrator walked up the front lawn or to the back door this could indicate someone familiar with the property. Or possibly the perpetrator knew no one was there being familiar with the owners habits. The soil on the shoes of a suspect (or left on a carpet or floor) can indicate the direction of travel and the mode of entry. This type of evidence is most useful when a suspect can be immediately identified before the soil is lost from the

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