Law Enforcement Technology

MAR 2015

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16 Law Enforcement Technology March 2015 www.officer.com LET: How does the proposed method work? Lednev: [This method] uses vibra- tional spectroscopy (Ramen and Infrared) …to detect and identify gun- shot residue. Gunshot residue particles are organic or inorganic. Inorganic particles originate from a primer and metallic components of the firearm, and organic residue are made mainly from the propellant. Currently only inorganic particles can be detected. Vibrational spectroscopy is the most selective spectroscopic technique. A vibrational signature reveals specific characteristics of all chemical components in the mate- rial. We are creating a multidimensional spectroscopic signature of gunshot resi- due, which we can be linked to specific ammunition. Vibrational spectroscopy reports on a complete chemical composition of gunshot residue. LET: What are some advantages to this method? Lednev: We don't need projec- tiles, bullets or cartridge cases (to identify specific ammunition). We can detect gunshot residue from green lead free ammo. Plus, this is less expensive than current methods. LET: Did you encounter any surprises in your research? Lednev: The main surprise was when we found that even a single, tiny, gunshot residue particle is suf- ficient to differentiate two or three different firearms or ammunition. We did a so-called blind test when we shoot various guns and collected just one particle from each discharge, and we could identify with practical- ly 100 percent certainty from which gun the particles came from. LET: Where do we go from here? Lednev: In order to link gunshot residue particles to specific ammuni- tion, we need to create a spectro- scopic library of practically all major types of ammunition. It's a big job… but there are already spectroscopic libraries for automotive paint, syn- thetic fibers…someone can [do this] for ammunition, too. It's just a matter of time and money. However there is one thing we can do now. If there is a suspect with a firearm and gunshot residue is col- lected from a crime scene, we can exclude this specific firearms ammo from having been used. ■ SAFE FOR YOU, NOT FOR THEIR STASH PERFECT VISION ® V20 VIDEOSCOPE CAMPBELL/HARRIS SECURITY EQUIPMENT COMPANY cseco.com | info@cseco.com | 510.864.8010 The Perfect Vision ® V20 Videoscope is the latest technology from CSECO, the makers of the Buster K910B and the CT-30 Detection Kit. It's also the ONLY scope certified SAFE for use in hazardous environments. Buster K9108 CT-40 Detection Kit Contact CSECO today to learn more about the FIBERSCOPE TRADE-IN PROGRAM and the new CT-40 Contraband Team Kit • Large color LCD display – 3.5x zoom - 10x resolution of fiberscope • Push-button photo/video captu re – NO attachments • Video chip imaging - NO fibe roptic cables to b reak • Built-in LED light & 6 hour rechargeable battery • CERTIFIED SAFE by UL Circle 8 on Reader Service Card I N V E S T I G A T I O N S FUTURE FOCUS

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