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STEP 5
PUBIC HAIR COMBINGS |
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Hair as Evidence |
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There has been controversy surrounding the collection of
head and pubic hair from sexual assault victims. The
process of plucking pubic hair is both uncomfortable and
embarrassing. Many forensic scientists and prosecutors
believe that obtaining these standards (pulled hair with
roots) at the time of a victim’s initial hospital
examination can provide vital evidence in the prosecution
of sexual assault cases. |
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In North Dakota it has been determined that the discomfort
to the victim outweighs the need to take plucked samples
of head and pubic hair at the medical/evidence collection
examination. However, the victim should be informed that
it may be necessary to get the samples later and so the
victim may be called on at a later date to provide the
samples. |
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Further, if medical or law enforcement personnel suspect
that the victim may be difficult to locate in the future
or if the victim would have to travel great distances to
provide the samples, then it may be more convenient to get
the samples when the victim is first examined. |
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Hair occurs in three growth states: anagen (actively
growing), catagen (resting stage), and telogen (ready to
be shed). There are subtle morphological differences that
can be detected by a trained microscopist as the growth
stages progress. |
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During an assault, the hair most likely to be transferred
from suspect to victim or victim to suspect tends to be
telogen. Other hair transferred during an assault is
pulled out by friction or other means of forcible removal.
Most of this hair tends to be anagen or catagen. |
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Known hair samples from the head and pubic regions of the
body are usually obtained by using the following
technique: |
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The samples
are taken separately by combing and pulling out the hair.
This technique results in obtaining telogen hair, as well
as anagen hair that exhibits roots. These roots can be
used as an integral part of a forensic comparison of
questioned and known hair. This procedure generally is
regarded as the best alternative for forensic comparisons. |
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Samples taken
by cutting the hair on the head or in the pubic area are
generally agreed by forensic analysts to be the worst
alternative for comparative purposes and should be
avoided. Although hair which has been cut quite close to
the skin sometimes can provide comparative value on an
extremely limited basis, it lacks essential features found
by analyzing at or near the root of the hair. Furthermore,
those submitted as "locks" or "tufts" of hair are
considered virtually worthless for comparison purposes. |
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Pulling and Combing Pubic
and Head Hair at Initial Examination |
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The proper collection of
representative hair standards from the sexual assault
victim is the only way to ensure that hair standards will
be usable for comparison with evidence hair which may be
recovered from the crime scene, the suspect’s clothes, or
the victim’s own body or clothing. |
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Since the most advantageous
time to recover physical evidence is as soon as possible
after the crime has occurred, and the initial examination
of the victim is the first major opportunity for such
recovery. |
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Procedures for Collection
of Combed Pubic and Head Hair |
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The top, back, front and sides
of the victim’s head hair should be combed over a piece of
paper to collect all loose hair and fibers. |
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The combings and the comb are
to be placed in an envelope marked “head hair combings.”
The labeling information should be completed and the
envelope sealed with tape. |
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A second comb should be used
to collect any loose hair or fibers from the pubic area,
over a piece of paper or paper towel to collect the hair.
Victims may prefer to do the combing themselves to reduce
embarrassment and increase their sense of control over
their body. |
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The pubic hair combings and
the comb are placed in a second envelope marked “pubic
hair combings.” After the labeling information is
completed the envelope should be sealed with tape. |
Combings should be done
vigorously and thoroughly to lessen the chance that
valuable evidence may be missed. Therefore, it is
important that the combs used for the head and pubic hair
be good quality so that the teeth will not break off when
combing through thick or curly hair.
Where there is evidence of semen or other matter or
material on pubic or head hair, it may be collected in the
same manner as other dried fluids. The swab should then be
placed in a small paper envelope and labeled “possible
secretion sample from head hair.” Although this specimen
also can be collected by cutting off the matter or
material, it is important to obtain the victim’s
permission prior to cutting any significant amount of
hair. |
