The relevance of gunshot residues in forensic science

Gunshot residues (GSR) are routinely exploited by forensic scientists in the investigation of firearm-related events. While many new techniques are daily reported in the literature for the analysis of GSR, there is still a significant lack of data on the transfer, persistence, and prevalence of GSR. Such fundamental knowledge is essential to fully exploit the information potential of GSR for investigation or in Court. This paper provides an overview of the relevant questions related to GSR, more particularly to infer about the trace’s origin (i.e., is it from a firearm discharge?) and the activity that caused transfer (e.g., primary, secondary or subsequent transfer). GSR production and composition will be briefly described, considering both inorganic and organic components. Then, the available knowledge about the primary transfer, the secondary transfer and the persistence of GSR will be outlined, as well as the prevalence (background level) of the targeted elements and/or compounds in the environment, more particularly on the hands of people unrelated to firearm incidents. Finally, the methods developed for the collection, analysis and interpretation of GSR will be discussed. A holistic approach combining fundamental forensic science knowledge about GSR transfer, persistence and prevalence together with other available information is discussed as a path forward to increase the relevance and value of the GSR trace in practice