Current Methods in Forensic Gunshot Residue Analysis

Published:
June 27, 2000 by CRC Press - 192 Pages
Author(s):
A. J. Schwoeble, R.J. Lee Group, Inc., Monroeville, Pennsylvania, USA; David L. Exline, Gateway Analytical, Pennsylvania, USA

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Hardback
$139.95
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ISBN 9780849300295
Cat# 0029
 

Features

  • Includes more than 100 illustrations depicting weapons, plume concentration, and ammunition characteristics
  • Presents new research into ammunition formulation, particle formation, and distribution of gunshot residue "plumes"
  • Deals with major areas of gunshot residue analysis, such as current methods, collection techniques, interpretation, testimony, and report writing

    • Summary

    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.

    Table of Contents

    GUNSHOT RESIDUE (GSR) AS FORENSIC EVIDENCE
    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

    Editorial Reviews

    ... 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 Journal

    Excellent 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

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