The determination of how far a firearm was from a victim or target when it was discharged is a frequent request to crime laboratories. This determination requires test firing the firearm at various distances to compare gunshot residue patterns made during the test with patterns on the victim or target. Crime laboratories stipulate that the same firearm and ammunition used in commission of the crime must be used for this testing; however, little empirical evidence exists supporting this requirement. It was the purpose of this study to determine if there were any significant differences using different firearms and different ammunition in distance determination testing. The findings indicated that no significant differences occurred with different firearms but there were significant differences with different brands of ammunition.

With the improvements in collection methods and analytical tools that allow more thorough analyses, gunshot residue examination has made a dramatic impact as an area of trace evidence essential to the investigation and prosecution of violent crime. Current Methods in Forensic Gunshot Residue Analysis deals with major areas of gunshot residue analysis, including current and future methods of analysis, collection techniques, interpretation of evidence, expert testimony and report writing. This text is a necessity for forensic scientists conducting this type of analysis and anyone involved in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes involving firearms.

The proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique was applied to the identification and analysis of gunshot residues. Studies were made of the type of bullet and bullet hole identification, firearm discharge element profiles, the effect of various target backings, and hand swabbings. The discussion of the results reviews the sensitivity of the PIXE technique, its nondestructive nature, and its role in determining the distance from the gun to the victim and identifying the type of bullet used and whether a wound was made by a bullet or not. The high sensitivity of the PIXE technique, which is able to analyze samples as small as 0.1 to 1 ng, and its usefulness for detecting a variety of elements should make it particularly useful in firearms residue investigations.

The book will be an open learning / distance learning text in the Analytical Techniques for the Sciences (AnTS) covering analytical techniques used in forensic science. No prior knowledge of the analytical techniques will be required by the reader. An introductory chapter will provide an overview of the science of the materials used as forensic evidence. Each of the following chapters will describe the techniques used in forensic analysis. The theory, instrumentation and sampling techniques will be explained and examples of the application of each technique to particular forensic samples will be provided. The reader will be able to assess their understanding with the use of regular self assessment questions and discussion questions throughout the book. The user of the book will be able to apply their understanding to the application of specific techniques to particular analyses encountered in their professional life.

In many cases of crimes involving a firearm, police investigators need to know how far the firearm was held from the victim when it was discharged. Knowing this distance, vital questions regarding the re-construction of the crime scene can be known. Often, the original firearm used in commission of a suspected crime is not available for testing or is damaged. Crime laboratories require the original firearm in order to conduct distance determination tests. However, no empirical research has ever been conducted to determine if same make and model firearms produce different results in distance determination testing. It was the purpose of this study to determine if there are significant differences between the same make and model of firearms in distance determination testing. The findings indicate no significant differences; furthermore they imply that if the original firearm is not available, another firearm of the same make and model may be used.

Chemical Analysis of Firearms, Ammunition, and Gunshot Residue, Second Edition continues in the tradition of the popular first edition, filling the void in forensic texts on the subject. While most books on firearms focus solely on the physical aspects of firearms, this book addresses forensic issues relating to the chemical aspects of firearms and ammunition. It draws on the latest published literature including books, scientific papers, technical reports, manufacturer’s literature, newspaper articles, and personal observations and research conducted by the author. This edition is fully updated, introducing the history and development of firearms and ammunition including advances in the chemical analysis of them. Several changes in primer compositions and the particle classification system are addressed with new techniques added on evidence collection and testing methods. Coverage details chemical aspects of forensic firearms casework with particular emphasis on the detection of gunshot residues (GSR), firearm discharge residues (FDR), and cartridge discharge residues (CDR) on a suspect’s skin and clothing surfaces. Two new chapters have been added. One deals with unusual firearms case while the other summarizes a controversial, high-profile Australian case involving inorganic and organic gunshot residue, highlighting the dangers of incorrect forensic evidence and the increased need for careful training of forensic scientists. Fully updated to reflect the latest techniques and tests for particle and chemical classification Provides a complete history of firearms and ammunition development as well as advances in the chemical analysis involved in forensic firearm casework Features a one-of-a-kind chapter on processing suspects, a crucial component in many firearms and explosives residue cases The book will serves as a useful to forensic chemists, investigators, ballistics experts, among other professionals serving in a variety of forensic disciplines.

Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.

As technology continues to advance forward, it is crucial that the forensic disciplines maintain their lead over the criminal element. The field of firearm analysis is one such area that has experienced rapid developments, spurred on by recent technological advancements. With the invention of high resolution 3D-printing, new improvements in instrumental techniques such as Raman Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry, and improvements in simulation capabilities for ballistic wounding potential, entirely new fields of study have evolved. This book takes an in-depth look at the current state of gunshot residue analysis and wound ballistics, and showcases groundbreaking research in these crucial areas. The ramifications of the availability of 3D-printed firearms are also discussed, with authors submitting evaluations of new and existing forensic methods on trace analysis of GSR and fingerprinting, as well as potential protocol adaptations to better address the unique challenges of 3D-printed firearms. Whereas this book is primarily oriented toward forensic researchers and practitioners, others with an interest in keeping up with developments in forensic science may find it informative and useful.