ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 July 1983
Page Count: 11

Physical Comparison of Plastic Garbage Bags and Sandwich Bags
Blunt, LKR
Forensic analysts, Centre of Forensic Sciences, Ontario

von Bremen, UG
Forensic analysts, Centre of Forensic Sciences, Ontario

(Received 5 October 1982; accepted 16 December 1982)

Abstract

Individual marks are located adjacent to machine-cut ends on garbage bags and sandwich bags. Class marks that change direction or width or both are present on many brands. The cut ends of plastic bags can successfully be related to each other. Visits were made to plants that manufacture both types of bags to observe the production methods and sequence. Consecutively made samples were collected and others purchased at retail outlets. All were compared with optical equipment and some with photographic techniques to enhance faint characteristics. Results obtained using the techniques described were presented in court.

Keywords:
criminalistics, plastic bags, comparative analyses, garbage bags, sandwich bags, polyethylene film, manufacturing process, individual characteristics, class characteristics, physical comparison, high contrast photography

Paper ID: JFS11561J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11561J
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