Priority Action Report

Gunshot Residue (GSR) Subcommittee

Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis SAC

Michael V. Martinez Subcommittee Chair 

Carol Crowe Vice Chair

February 13-14, 2017
Gunshot Residue (GSR) Subcommittee

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Gunshot Residue (GSR) 

Subcommittee Leadership

Position Name Organization Term Email

Chair Michael V. Martinez

Bexar Co. Criminal

Investigation 

Laboratory

4 mmartinez@bexar.org

Vice 

Chair Carol Crowe Colorado Bureau of 

Investigation (CBI) 3 carol.crowe@state.co.us

Executive 

Secretary Emily Weber Hamilton Co. Coroners 

Lab 3 Emily.weber@hamilton-co.org

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Gunshot Residue (GSR) 

Subcommittee Members

# First Last Organization Term Email

1 Wayne Niemeyer McCrone Associates 3 wniemeyer@mccrone.com

2 Debra Gibson LA Co. ME 3 dgibson@coroner.lacounty.gov

3 Doug DeGaetano Virginia Dept. of Forensic Science 3 Doug.DeGaetano@dfs.virginia.gov

4 James Garcia US Army Crime Lab 3 james.d.garcia1.civ@mail.mil

5 Koren Powers West Virginia Sate Forensic Lab 4 koren.k.powers@wvsp.gov

6 Nicholas Ritchie NIST 4 nicholas.ritchie@nist.gov

7 David Freehling North Carolina St. Crime Lab 3 Dfreehling@ncdoj.gov

8 Suzanne Bell West Virginia University 3 Suzanne.Bell@mail.wvu.edu

9 Rodney Simmons Wyoming State Crime Lab 4 rodney.simmons@wyo.gov

10 Thomas White Texas DPS 3 Thomas.White@dps.texas.gov

11 Robert Berk Illinois State Police 3 berkrob@isp.state.il.us

12 Emily Weber Hamilton Co. Coroners Lab 3 emily.weber@hamilton-co.org\

13 John Drugan Massachusetts State Police Forensic 4 john.drugan@massmail.state.ma.us

14 Dave Edwards JEOL USA, Inc. 3 dedwards@jeol.com

15 Jason Schroeder Harris Co. ME 4 Jason.Schroeder@ifs.hctx.net

16 Trevor Gillis Santa Clara Co. DA Crime Lab 3 tgillis@crimelab.sccgov.org

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(Optional) Affiliates

# First Last Organization Email

1 Lawrence Gunaratnam National Bureau of Investigation Finland lawrence.gunaratnam@poliisi.fi

2 Ludwig Niewoehner Bundeskriminalamt ludwig.niewoehner@bka.bund.de

3 Michael McVicar Centre of Forensic Sciences mike.mcvicar@ontario.ca

4 Nadav Levin Israel Police Div. nadav.levin@gmail.com

5 Peter Ross Victoria Police Forensic Services Dept. peter.ross@police.vic.gov.au

6 Karl Lueftl Bavarian State Criminal Police Office karl.lueftl@polizei.bayern.de

7 Mike Trimpe Hamilton Co. Coroners Lab trimpegolf@gmail.com

8 Frank Platek US FDA Frank.Platek@fda.hhs.gov

9 Joseph (aka JJ) Cavaleri Los Angeles Co. Sheriffs Office Lab jjcavaleri@gmail.com

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Gunshot Residue (GSR) Subcommittee

• The OSAC Subcommittee on Gunshot 

Residue will focus on standards and 

guidelines related to analyses of 

evidence that results from the deposition 

of or physical transfer of small or minute 

quantities of gunshot residue.

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Summary of Priority Projects

Priority OSAC 

Process Working Title of Document

HIGH (RA-400) ASTM E1588-16(b): Standard Guide for Gunshot Residue Analysis by Scanning Electron 

Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry

HIGH (SDO-425) GSR Training Guide

HIGH (SDO-200) GSR Testimony

HIGH (SDO-200) Report writing, Qualifying Statements and Interpretation

MEDIUM (SDO-0) Methodology, Research, and Literature Review

MEDIUM (SDO-100) Validation and Instrument requirements

MEDIUM (RA-100) ASTM E620-17 Standard Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical Experts

MEDIUM (SDO-0) Task irrelevant information when considering cognitive and contextual bias in GSR 

analysis

MEDIUM (SDO-0) Organic GSR methodology, instrumentation and acceptability (New Document) 7
Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 1 Document

Document Title: 

ASTM E1588-16(b) Standard Guide for Gunshot Residue Analysis by 

Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry

Scope: 

This guide covers the analysis of gunshot residue (GSR) by scanning electron 

microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS) using manual and 

automated methods. 

Objective/rationale: 

The objective is to provide a standard method for the analysis and classification 

of primer gunshot residues by SEM/EDS.

Issues/concerns: 

Version 16(b) corrects previously approved edits that never made it to published 

version 16(a). More substantial edits will be needed to be submitted and voted on 

for version 17. 

Task Group Name: E1588 Task Group

Task Group Chair Name: James Garcia & Mike Martinez

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: August 2-5, 2016

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 1 Document

Key Components of Standard: 

ASTM E1588-16(b): Standard Guide for Gunshot Residue Analysis by Scanning 

Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry

•A best practice guide when conducting the analysis and 

interpretation of primer gunshot residues. 

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Working with ASTM e30.01 

pending final release

RA-400 J. Garcia April 2017

Submit SDO Packet for SAC 

Approval

RA-500 M. Martinez May 2017

SAC Voting results RA-600 M. Martinez August 2017

Priority 1: E1588-16(b): Standard Guide for Gunshot Residue Analysis by 

Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 2 Documents

Document Title:

GSR Training Guide

Scope: 

This standard provides a summary of the knowledge and skills that should be 

demonstrated in order to establish competency as an independent GSR analyst. 

These recommendations shall be used in conjunction with the laboratory’s existing 

training protocols and standard operating procedures. 

Objective/rationale:

The training guide outlines and describes the goals for a comprehensive training 

program in gunshot primer residue (GSR) analysis by scanning electron 

microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS).

Issues/concerns:

None at this time.

Task Group Name: Proficiency, Competency and Training

Task Group Chair Name: Thomas White

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: August 2-5, 2016

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 2 Documents

Key Components of Standards: 

GSR Training Guide

• Outlines and describes key areas to be mastered by a trainee 

performing GSR examination by SEM/EDS.

• Compilation of suggested readings to supplement the training guide.

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action 

Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Additions and edits to 

document. Subcommittee 

vote to push forward.

SDO-400 T. White March 2017

Send document to resource

committees for comment.

SDO-450 T. White &

Liaisons

April 2017

Complete the SDO Process 

Request form and submit 

documents to the SAC.

SDO-700 T. White July 2017

Priority 2: 

GSR Training Guide

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 3 Documents

Document Title:

GSR Testimony

Scope: 

GSR Testimony is challenging because the interpretation of results requires consideration 

of various issues from particle formation through collection and analysis that may be raised. This 

document will attempt to address commonly encountered questions presented in testimony, 

appropriate answers, and examples of testimony limitations pertaining to GSR. The document will 

also provide guidance to a witness in preparing for admissibility of GSR evidence. 

Objective/rationale:

This standard/guide will attempt to provide assistance in preparation for GSR specific 

testimony including admissibility issues, limitations, and answers to commonly asked questions when 

giving testimony in a criminal court of law. 

Issues/concerns: 

Issues under discussion to what is suitable for inclusion from the SWGGSR Guide testimony section.

Task Group Name: Testimony and Ethics

Task Group Chair Name: David Freehling

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: August 2-5, 2016

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 3 Documents

Key Components of Standards: 

GSR Testimony

• Examples of questions and answers a GSR expert may encounter while 

giving testimony.

• A list of limitations in interpretation of GSR results when testifying

• Assistance in preparation for an admissibility hearing in GSR

• This document will be used to supplement existing legal literature used to 

describe the roles and responsibilities of Expert Witness Testimony in the 

U.S. Criminal Court system.

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action 

Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Additions and edits to 

document. Subcommittee 

vote to push forward.

SDO-100 D. Freehling April 2017

Send document to resource

committees for comment.

SDO -200 D. Freehling &

Liaisons

May 2017

Complete the SDO Process 

Request form and submit 

documents to the SAC.

SDO-300 D. Freehling & 

M. Martinez

July 2017

Priority 3: 

GSR Testimony

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 4 Documents

Document Title:

Report writing, Qualifying Statements and Interpretation

Scope: 

The goal of this standard/guide will be to compile, evaluate and suggest a unified 

reporting method when issuing GSR reports to our customers. The focus will be on identifying 

common language used while attempting to strengthen report conclusions with clear and 

concise verbiage.

Objective/rationale:

To determine the clearest and most unambiguous language to use when creating a 

GSR report. 

Issues/concerns:

Awaiting publication of ASTM e620-17 to assure consistency.

Task Group Name: Report writing, Qualifying statements and 

Interpretation

Task Group Chair Name: Robert Berk

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: August 2 17 -5, 2017
Task Group/Subcommittee Action 

Plan

Priority 4: 

Report writing, Qualifying Statements and Interpretation

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Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Additions and edits to 

document. Subcommittee 

vote to push forward.

SDO-100 B. Berk April 2017

Send document to resource

committees for comment.

SDO -200 B. Berk & Liaisons May 2017

Complete the SDO Process 

Request form and submit 

documents to the SAC.

SDO-300 B. Berk & 

M. Martinez

July 2017
Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 5 Documents

Document Title:

Methodology, Research, and Literature Review

Scope: 

To discuss and collate a list of GSR research projects, database bibliographic 

reference material and draft ideas for additional methodology. Standards will be 

developed for new methodologies. 

Objective/rationale:

The objective is to develop standards for new methodologies in the field of GSR 

analysis.

Concerns/issues:

None at this time.

Task Group Name: Methodology, Research and Literature

Task Group Chair Name: Suzanne Bell

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: August 2-5, 2016

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 5 Documents

Key Components of Standards: 

Methodology, Research, and Literature Review

• Evaluate new and alternative methods for the detection of GSR 

and develop standards for recommended research.

• Compile a list of relevant reference material.

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action 

Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Recommend standard/ 

guideline.

SDO-0 S. Bell

Priority 5: 

Methodology, Research, and Literature Review 

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 6 Documents

Document Title:

Validation and Instrument requirements

Scope: 

There is a need in the GSR community for guidance to create 

standards dealing with specific criteria for instruments used for the detection 

of GSR by SEM/EDS.

Objective/rationale:

To develop standards required for SEM/EDS and validation/calibration 

requirements for the detection of GSR by SEM/EDS.

Concerns/issues:

None at this time.

Task Group Name: Validation, Performance and Instrument 

Requirements

Task Group Chair Name: Nicholas Ritchie

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: August 2 22 -5, 2017
Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 6 Documents

Key Components of Standards: 

Validation and Instrument requirements

• To develop standards required for SEM/EDS and 

validation/calibration requirements for the detection of GSR by 

SEM/EDS.

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action 

Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Create draft document. SDO-100 N. Ritchie To be determined

Priority 6: 

Validation and Instrument requirements

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 7 Documents

Document Title:

ASTM E620-17 Standard Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical 

Experts

Scope: 

This practice covers the scope of information to be contained in formal 

written technical reports which express the opinions of the scientific or 

technical expert with respect to the study of items that are or may reasonably 

be expected to be the subject of criminal or civil litigation.

Objective/rationale:

This practice establishes those elements of the expert's opinion report 

which will make the report understandable to the intended recipient and focus 

on the technical aspects germane to the purpose for which the opinion is 

rendered.

Task Group Name: ASTM E620 Liaison

Task Group Chair Name: M. Martinez

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: August 2-5, 2016

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 7 Documents

Key Components of Standards: 

ASTM E620-17 Standard Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical 

Experts

• A best practice guide to develop a unified method for reporting 

conclusions of forensic results.

• Version E620-17 will soon be published. 

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action 

Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Recommend standard/ 

guideline.

RA-100 M. Martinez April 2017

Priority 7: 

ASTM E620-11 Standard Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific 

or Technical Experts

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 8 Documents

Document Title:

Possible relevant information when considering cognitive and contextual bias in GSR 

analysis

Scope: 

The OSAC Human Factors Resource Committee (HFC) has brought forth concerns about cognitive and contextual bias in forensic science analysis. What 

information is necessary for the analyst in each sub discipline? 

Objective/rationale:

This document will attempt to describe a method for analyzing GSR samples without bias including a list of task relevant and task irrelevant information 

the analyst needs for proper analysis and when certain information can be known 

in an attempt to eliminate bias.

Concerns/issues: 

None at this time.

Task Group Name: Cognitive Bias

Task Group Chair Name: TBA

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: August 2-5, 2016

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 8 Documents

Key Components of Standards: 

Possible relevant information when considering cognitive and contextual bias in 

GSR analysis

• Identify task relevant and task irrelevant information necessary to 

analyze GSR samples.

• Describe a method to ensure bias free analysis of GSR.

• Describe a sequence of revealing information to ensure proper 

analysis of GSR evidence. 

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action 

Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Create draft document SDO-0 TBA April 2017

Priority 8: 

Possible relevant information when considering cognitive and 

contextual bias in GSR analysis 

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 9 Documents

Document Title:

Organic GSR methodology, instrumentation and acceptability (New Document)

Scope: 

Organic GSR will be explored as a viable alternative or complimentary method to identify the organic constituents of GSR.

Objective/rationale:

This document will attempt to describe a method for analyzing for GSR using a method that will be universally accepted. 

Concerns/issues: 

The lack of any accepted standards for analysis and of supporting research such as background levels, persistence, sampling techniques, instrumentation, 

etc. The ability to compose a standard for analysis is dependent upon the need 

for significant research and development which has yet to be achieved and 

universally accepted.

Task Group Name: Organic GSR

Task Group Chair Name: TBA

Date of Last Task Group Meeting: New Document

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Standards/Guidelines Development

Priority 9 Documents

Key Components of Standards: 

Organic GSR methodology, instrumentation and acceptability (New Document)

• Identify task relevant and task irrelevant information necessary to 

analyze GSR samples.

• Describe a method to ensure bias free analysis of GSR.

• Describe a sequence of revealing information to ensure proper 

analysis of GSR evidence. 

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Task Group/Subcommittee Action 

Plan

Planned Actions

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., 

SDO 100) 

Assignee Estimated

Completion Date

Create draft document SDO-0 TBA To be determined

Priority 9: 

Organic GSR methodology, instrumentation and acceptability (New 

Document)

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Summary of Priority Projects

Priority OSAC 

Process Working Title of Document

HIGH (RA-400) ASTM E1588-16(b): Standard Guide for Gunshot Residue Analysis by Scanning Electron 

Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry

HIGH (SDO-425) GSR Training Guide

HIGH (SDO-200) GSR Testimony

HIGH (SDO-200) Report writing, Qualifying Statements and Interpretation

MEDIUM (SDO-0) Methodology, Research, and Literature Review

MEDIUM (SDO-100) Validation and Instrument requirements

MEDIUM (RA-100) ASTM E620-17 Standard Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical Experts

MEDIUM (SDO-0) Task irrelevant information when considering cognitive and contextual bias in GSR 

analysis

MEDIUM (SDO-0) Organic GSR methodology, instrumentation and acceptability (New Document) 34
Standards/Guidelines Reviewed For 

Technical Merit

Title Developing 

Organization Status*

OSAC Process 

Stage (e.g., RA 

100)

ASTM E1588-10: Standard Guide for 

Gunshot Residue Analysis by Scanning 

Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive XRay Spectrometry

ASTM 

International

In Process RA-400

ASTM E620-17 Standard Practice for 

Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical 

Experts

ASTM 

International

In Process RA-100

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Research & Development Needs Identified

1. Specific identification of shooters.

2. Comprehensive GSR persistence study.

3. Development of Characterized Reference Stubs.

4. Fundamental research into mechanism of particle formation.

5. Comprehensive Feasibility of Organic Gunshot Residue 

Analysis.

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Additional Items of Interest

Baseline essential documents to be added to the GSR 

Subcommittee webpage.

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# Title Yr. of Publication Author

1 SWGGSR Guide 2011 SWGGSR

2 ASTM E1588-16b 2016 SWGGSR/OSAC

3 Aerospace Report 1977 Wolten

4 ENFSI BPM for GSR Ver. 1.0 2003-11 ENFSI

5 ENFSI Guide for GSR Ver. 2.0 2008-12 ENFSI

6 Current Methods in Forensic GSR 2000 Schwoeble et. al.

7 Chemical Analysis of ...GSR 2008 Wallace
Priority Action Report

Gunshot Residue (GSR) Subcommittee

Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis SAC

Michael V. Martinez Subcommittee Chair 

Carol Crowe Vice Chair

February 13-14, 2017
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