Chemistry and Technology

Conventional forensic methods never become outdated. The Chemistry and Technology Section mainly carries out different types of comparisons, such as fingerprints, fibers, shoe prints, tires, tools, explosives, paints, glass and bullets.

  • Development of fingerprints.
    Development of fingerprints. Bild: Lars Hedelin, Kommunikationsavdelningen
  • Fire investigation at a scene of fire.
    Fire investigation at a scene of fire. Bild: Maria Åsén, NFC
  • Investigation of charred remainders from a fire at NFC's laboratory in Linköping.
    Investigation of charred remainders from a fire at NFC's laboratory in Linköping. Bild: Lars Hedelin, Kommunikationsavdelningen
  • The use of hand grenades has increased during recent years in Sweden.
    The use of hand grenades has increased during recent years in Sweden. Bild: Maria Åsén, NFC
  • Explosivämnet TATP (triaceton triperoxide) is a powerful explosive.
    TATP (triaceton triperoxide) is a powerful explosive. Bild: Maria Åsén, NFC.
  • Firearm examination.
    Firearm examination. Bild: Maria Åsén, NFC
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Chemistry and Technology Section

  • Completed cases: 6,400 (2018)
  • Employees :115 (December 2018)

Fingerprint

During 2017 the influx of fingerprint cases continued to increase with approximately 20 % in fingerprint development and 14 % in fingerprint identification compared to 2016. To be able to handle this situation a great effort to increase the efficiency in the workflow was made. During the year the fingerprint groups have worked intensively with the harmonization of the fingerprint procedures throughout the entire Swedish Police Authority.

Toolmarks and traces

The shoeprint area was in focus 2017 due to the finalizing of the harmonization project in combination with the feasibility evaluation of a new national database. In the fields of physical match and tool marks there has been an increasing number of examinations of drug packaging. These cases usually contain a large number of materials and are very complex. In order to meet the work load we have recruited more employees and we have developed a long term strategic plan.

Firearms

During 2017 shooting incidents in Sweden reached the highest level ever in Sweden. Approximately 320 confirmed shootings 2017 means 100 percent more shooting cases in only a few years. The number of seized firearms increases but does not equal the number of shooting cases.The harmonization process is focused on crime scene routines and a standardized firearms protocol. Every year, since 2013, the firearms group has recruited group members to meet the work load.