FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, December 1, 2020 1

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Comprehensive GSR Persistence Study

Keyword(s): Gunshot Residue, GSR, Particulate Size, Secondary Transfer, Persistence

Submitting subcommittee(s): Ignitable Liquids, Explosives, & 

Gunshot Residue 

Date Approved: 3/02/2021

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

Yes, this research need addresses the persistence of GSR particles, based on their particulate size, detected on 

surfaces and in the air after discharge of a firearm. There have been numerous studies regarding the rate of loss 

of GSR particles from surfaces such as skin and clothing, but few comprehensive peer-reviewed works or metadata analyses. There is a need to understand the rate of particulate loss as a function of particulate size to 

determine the feasibility and viability of searching for smaller particles and sub-micron-particles during an 

automated GSR analysis. The cost/benefit of utilizing these particles in terms of information gained versus 

SEM/EDS analysis time needs to be understood as does the relative value of sub-micron particles. The applicant 

must have experience and access to instrumentation using automated GSR software followed by manual 

confirmation of GSR particles by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis.

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

No.

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: (ex.: Toll, L., Standifer, K. M., Massotte, D., eds. 

(2019). Current Topics in Opioid Research. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88963-180-3)

[1] R. Luten, D. Neimke, M. Barth, L. Niewoehner. Investigating Airborne GSR Particles by the Application of 

Impactor Technology. Forensic Chemistry. 2018, 8, 72.

[2] R. Berk, S. Rochowicz, M. Wong, and M. Kopina. GSR in Chicago Police Vehicles and Facilities: An Empirical 

Study. J. Forensic Sci. 2007, 52, 838.

[3] O. Dalby, B. Butler, and J. Birkett. Analysis of Gunshot Residue and Associated Materials- A Review. J. 

Forensic Sci. 2010, 55, 924.

[4] Z. Brozek-Mucha. Chemical and Morphological Study of Gunshot Residue Persisting on the Shooter by Means 

of Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry. Microsc. Microanal. 2011, 17, 972.
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[5] S. Charles and N. Geusens. A Study of Potential Risk of Gunshot Residue Transfer from Special Units of the 

Police to Arrested Suspects. For. Sci. Int. 2012, 216, 78.

[6] M. Szynkowska, A. Parczewski, K. Szajdak, and J. Rogowksi. Examination of Gunshot Residue Transfer Using 

ToF-SIMS. Surf. Interface Anal. 2013, 45, 596. 

[7] J. French, R. Morgan, and J. Davy. The Secondary Transfer of Gunshot Residue: An Experimental Investigation 

Carried out with SEM-EDX Analysis. X-ray Spectrometry. 2014, 43, 56.

[8] Z. Brozek-Mucha. On the Prevalence of Gunshot Residue in Selected Populations – An Empirical Study 

Performed with SEM-EDX Analysis. For. Sci. Int. 2014, 237, 46.

[9] M. Grima, R. Hanson, and H. Tidy. An Assessment of Firework Particle Persistence in the Hands and Related 

Police Force Practices in Relation to GSR Evidence. For. Sci. Int. 2014, 239, 19.

[10] J. French, and R. Morgan. An Experimental Investigation of the Indirect Transfer and Deposition of Gunshot 

Residue: Further Studies Carried out with SEM-EDX Analysis. For. Sci. Int. 2015, 247, 14.

[11] J. Hannigan, S. McDermott, C. Greaney, J. O’Shaughnessy, and C. O’Brien. Evaluation of Gunshot Residue 

(GSR) Evidence: Surveys of Prevalence of GSR on Clothing and Frequency of Residue Types. For. Sci. Int. 2015, 

257, 177.

[12] L. Ali, K. Brown, H. Castellano, and S. Wetzel. A Study of the Presence of Gunshot Residue in Pittsburg Police 

Stations using SEM/EDS and LC-MS/MS. J. Forensic Sci. 2016, 61,928.

4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

No.

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?

The research results will guide evolution in laboratory practice as the results dictate. The data could be 

incorporated into a future revision of ASTM 1588 that increases the efficiency and efficacy of SEM/EDS

characterization of stub samples. 

6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

The research results would assist the subcommittee in developing modifications of laboratory practice and 

procedure; these changes will be data driven.

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

The research results would improve the efficiency and efficacy of laboratory analysis of GSR.
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8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): I

Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.