Gunshot Residue Analysis

Introduction

Forensic science may be defined as the application of various scientific disciplines to aid the criminal justice system. Gunshot residue (GSR) evidence is an area of forensic science that is often underestimated and underappreciated by the forensic community. It is certainly one of the most underutilized types of physical evidence. The staggering increase in firearms-related offenses in the U.S. has intensified the importance of rapid and accurate GSR analysis. In a recent report, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) cites firearms as the weapons of choice in over 30% of 1.7 million incidents of violent crime. This book was written in response to the growing realization of the significance of GSR as evidence and the lack of textbooks that discuss current developments in this area of forensics. Despite advancements in analytical techniques and adjustments to the classification of GSR particles, no text that discusses these developments has been produced. In particular, this book provides a unique resource to help examiners at every