NCJ Number
205774
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 52 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2004 Pages: 66,68
Date Published
May 2004
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The ASPEX gunshot residue analysis (GSR) system is able to detect individual residue particles and determine the dimensions as well as the chemical structure of each particle.
Abstract
Whenever a gun is fired, the combustion of gunpowder and primer creates a residue that is often deposited on the hands, face, and clothing of the shooter. The most prevalent ingredients in the primer are lead, barium, and antimony. The ASPEX GSR system detects any GSR that may have been obtained from the application of adhesive sampling stubs to skin or fabric for the purpose of lifting any GSR from these surfaces. The ASPEX GSR system is able to create a unique residue profile or "fingerprint" and identify the presence of GSR particles beyond a reasonable doubt. The ASPEX GSR system has even been used in a courtroom directly in front of juries. If results are ever questioned, samples can be reassessed at any time. The system can analyze up to 30 adhesive stubs simultaneously, and it offers the fastest and most accurate GSR detection on the market. Since the system is automated, the skill of the operator does not influence the quality of the results. Future work with the system will focus on the development of energy dispersal x-ray analysis (EDX), which will further improve resolution and increase count rates when combined with a scanning electron microscope.