Date of Award
Spring 5-2018
Degree Type
Honors College Thesis
Department
Criminal Justice
First Advisor
Dean Bertram
Advisor Department
Criminal Justice
Abstract
The examination of gunshot residue is often an integral part of evidence processing. The aim of this preliminary study is to validate the use of the BlueView Gunshot Particle Test Kit in the field. This was done by comparing the results of the presumptive tests using the BlueView Gunshot Particle Test Kit to confirmatory test results using a scanning electron microscope. This study used both collection techniques to collect samples for presumptive tests and confirmatory tests. Gunshot residue samples were collected from the hands after a series of guns were fired, and positive results were obtained from the presumptive and confirmatory tests. The results of this study conclude that BlueView Gunshot Particle Test Kit could possibly be an effective method for conducting presumptive tests in the field for gunshot residue particles. This pilot study was conducted under almost perfect conditions, so further analyses need to be conducted to test additional variables.
Copyright
Copyright for this thesis is owned by the author. It may be freely accessed by all users. However, any reuse or reproduction not covered by the exceptions of the Fair Use or Educational Use clauses of U.S. Copyright Law or without permission of the copyright holder may be a violation of federal law. Contact the administrator if you have additional questions.
Recommended Citation
Lester, Hanna, "A Validation Study of BlueView™ Gunpowder Particle Testing Kit" (2018). Honors Theses. 550.
https://aquila.usm.edu/honors_theses/550