Trace DNA recovery rates from firearms and ammunition as revealed by casework data

Prasad, E; Atwood, L; van Oorschot, RAH; McNevin, D; Barash, M; Raymond, J

Trace DNA recovery rates from firearms and ammunition as revealed by casework data

Prasad, E Atwood, L van Oorschot, RAH McNevin, D

Barash, M

Raymond, J

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Publisher:: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2022
Issue Date:: 2022-01-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Prasad, E
dc.contributor.author	Atwood, L
dc.contributor.author	van Oorschot, RAH
dc.contributor.author	McNevin, D https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1665-3367
dc.contributor.author	Barash, M https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5445-6316
dc.contributor.author	Raymond, J
dc.date.accessioned	2022-01-31T22:04:20Z
dc.date.available	2022-01-31T22:04:20Z
dc.date.issued	2022-01-01
dc.identifier.citation	Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2022
dc.identifier.issn	0045-0618
dc.identifier.issn	1834-562X
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153991
dc.description.abstract	Understanding casework DNA recovery rates per evidence type is crucial for advancing forensic methodologies and practices. This study assesses DNA recovery and profile data for 17 firearm parts (including cartridges, bullets and cases: CBCs) using New South Wales firearms casework data from 2015 to 2019. CBCs were further classified as shotgun or metallic cartridges and as unfired or fired. Quantitative data analysis showed that the least DNA was recovered from the hammer, safety and CBCs, while a single swab of multiple firearm parts resulted in the highest DNA recovery. Shotgun and unfired cartridges yielded more DNA than metallic and fired cartridge cases, respectively. Additionally, DNA collected from exhibits after fingerprinting yielded more DNA than exhibits sampled for DNA without any fingerprint examination. Profile data analysis showed that at least 64% of samples were unusable in casework. Cumulatively swabbed areas were most likely to produce usable profiles. Up to 22% and 38% of usable and unusable profiles, respectively, were mixed. Internal parts of the firearms had lower percentages of mixed profiles. The results from the data suggest the areas to prioritize for DNA recovery from firearms and highlights the need for further research to improve sample collection from firearms and ammunition.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
dc.relation.ispartof	Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1080/00450618.2021.1939783
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.subject.classification	Legal & Forensic Medicine
dc.title	Trace DNA recovery rates from firearms and ammunition as revealed by casework data
dc.type	Journal Article
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CFS - Centre for Forensic Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Science/School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2022-01-31T22:04:19Z
pubs.publication-status	Published

Abstract:

Understanding casework DNA recovery rates per evidence type is crucial for advancing forensic methodologies and practices. This study assesses DNA recovery and profile data for 17 firearm parts (including cartridges, bullets and cases: CBCs) using New South Wales firearms casework data from 2015 to 2019. CBCs were further classified as shotgun or metallic cartridges and as unfired or fired. Quantitative data analysis showed that the least DNA was recovered from the hammer, safety and CBCs, while a single swab of multiple firearm parts resulted in the highest DNA recovery. Shotgun and unfired cartridges yielded more DNA than metallic and fired cartridge cases, respectively. Additionally, DNA collected from exhibits after fingerprinting yielded more DNA than exhibits sampled for DNA without any fingerprint examination. Profile data analysis showed that at least 64% of samples were unusable in casework. Cumulatively swabbed areas were most likely to produce usable profiles. Up to 22% and 38% of usable and unusable profiles, respectively, were mixed. Internal parts of the firearms had lower percentages of mixed profiles. The results from the data suggest the areas to prioritize for DNA recovery from firearms and highlights the need for further research to improve sample collection from firearms and ammunition.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/153991