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OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Comprehensive pGSR Transfer Study 

Describe

the need:

Understand the likelihood and level of contact driven transfer of pGSR from the shooter to a 

secondary person or surface. 

Keyword(s): Gunshot residue, automated analysis, forensic science, scanning electron microscopy, 

transfer

Submitting subcommittee(s): ILEGSR Date Approved: July 7, 2022

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 secondary transfer of pGSR particles after their original deposition on a 

surface. There is a need to understand the rate and level of transfer from person to person, from person to 

surface (e.g. clothing, vehicles), and from surface to surface at various time intervals. This research need 

should investigate whether the study can provide statistical data to establish a likelihood ratio. This likelihood 

ratio of secondary transfer may be subject to the results of a persistence study. The researcher(s) should have 

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

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

research will require extensive statistical capabilities/support.

 

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. Berk, S. Rochowicz, M. Wong, and M. Kopina. GSR in Chicago Police Vehicles and Facilities: An 

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

[2] 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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[3]. 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.

[4] 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.

[5] 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.

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 may give insight into the future need for pGSR collection and analysis. The research results 

will guide evolution in laboratory practice, report writing, and testimony.

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/procedure, report writing, and testimony; these changes will be data driven.

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

This research will help to establish the relevance of pGSR analysis in the prosecution of firearms related 

incidents. A statistical model may give more of a relative timeline for firearms related incidents. This study 

will help to enhance the confidence of pGSR interpretation. 

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
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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.