1st Edition
Current Methods in Forensic Gunshot Residue Analysis
With the ever-spreading problem of violent crime in today's society, techniques to assist forensic scientists and other law enforcement personnel have come to the forefront. With improvement in collection methods and analytical tools to conduct more thorough analyses, gunshot residue examination has made a dramatic impact as an area of trace evidence that is essential in the investigation and prosecution of violent crime.
Current Methods in Forensic Gunshot Residue Analysis deals with major areas of gunshot residue analysis such as current and future methods of analysis, collection techniques, interpretation of evidence as well as expert testimony and report writing.
This text is a necessity for any forensic scientist conducting this type of analysis and all other law enforcement personnel, academia, and lawyers involved in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes involving firearms.
Introduction
Value of GSR as Trace Evidence
Degradation of GSR
Transfer of GSR
Specific Areas of GSR Deposition
Collection of GSR Evidence
General Crime Scene Considerations
Examination of GSR
EXPLANATION OF GUNSHOT RESIDUE
Particle Formation
Classification of GSR Particles
Uniqueness of Composition
Terminology
Environmental Considerations in GSR Examination
METHODS OF EXAMINATION OF GUNSHOT RESIDUE
Principal Techniques
Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy
Automated SEM Analysis
Variable Pressure SEM
Other Methods of Analysis
A STUDY OF PLUME CONCENTRATIONS
The Plume Study
Summary of Results
Particle Fallout
Conclusions
AMMUNITION
Firearms
Rifles
Shotguns
Pistols
Cartridges
Bullet
Powder Charges
Primer
Head Stamps
.22 Caliber Ammunition Composition
Ammunition Composition Studies
GSR Studies: U.S. Manufacture Pistol Primers
General Observations from Test Firings
Revolvers vs. Semi-Automatics
DOCUMENTATION OF EVEIDENCE AND TESTIMONY
Note Taking
Report Writing
Chain of Custody
Expert Testimony
GLOSSARY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX
Biography
A. J. Schwoeble, David L. Exline
... a useful reference for forensic specialists in this field ... a relatively easy-to-read educational tool for law enforcement personnel and members of the justice system. …an excellent book which delivers a great deal of useful information in the area of gunshot residue analysis.
—Bruce Kramarchuk, I/C Firearms Section, RCMP Forensic Laboratory, Regina, in Canadian Society of Forensic Science JournalExcellent value for its money. This book should prove very useful to forensic scientists involved in GSR analysis. It should also be useful for undergraduate and postgraduate students of forensic science and forensic medicine, and to law enforcement personnel in general. Fully recommended.
—Anil Aggrawal's Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Volume 3, Number 1, January - June 2002