treehugger.com
Fibers are cross transfers of fiber and often occur in cases in which there is a person-to-person contact. Unlike fingerprints or DNA, they cannot pinpoint an offender in any definitive manner. The is one important problem with fiber evidence is that fibers are not unique.
flylib.com
Locard’s exchange principle states that with contact between two items, there will always be an exchange. This is the basis of trace evidence collection at a crime scene when you are dealing with fibers.
There is primary and secondary transfer. Primary transfer is from a fabric source like a carpet, bed, chair, etc. Secondary transfer comes from a person that sat on a couch then touched someone and they got that fiber on them.
timetobleed.com
When analyzing fibers you use a method of identifying and examining fibers used by law enforcement agencies around the world that procure evidence during an investigation. It also helps place suspects at a crime scene when law enforcement is investigating the evidence. A transfer of fibers can occur when a break-in happens because fibers from the intruder can be caught on a piece of broken glass or window screen. Fiber transfer does not always take place at a crime scene. There are certain types of fabric that do not shed as easily as others, also some fabrics do not hold fibers well. So, when a suspect/ offender comes in contact with the victim there are not always fiber transfers because of the different materials that they could be wearing.