What is a potential use of trace materials in an investigation?

The use of trace materials in an investigation is particularly significant because these materials can serve as crucial evidence linking a suspect to a crime. Trace evidence can include fibers, hairs, paint, glass, or soil that may be transferred from a crime scene to a suspect or from a suspect to the crime scene.

For instance, if a suspect's clothing has fibers that match those found at a crime scene, this could indicate that the suspect had physical contact with the scene or the victim. The ability to connect a suspect to a crime through these small pieces of evidence can significantly bolster a case and help establish that the individual was present at the location of the crime.

In contrast, the other options do not effectively utilize trace materials in a way that directly supports their role in criminal investigations:

• Determining a suspect's financial motive is typically related to investigating finances or behavior rather than physical evidence.

• Identifying the general demographic of a suspect does not rely on trace materials; demographic profiling usually comes from witness statements, personal history, or known associations.

• Establishing alibis for witnesses involves verifying whereabouts or activities through different types of evidence or testimony, rather than connecting physical evidence to a suspect.

Thus, linking a suspect to a crime through small evidence