Professional Competence In Forensic Gunshot Residue Analysis Using… Certificate of Competence:

This 2 day course aims to provide an understanding of the role of the gunshot residue (GSR) analyst in forensic firearms investigations and detail the underlying chemical and physical principles relevant to forensic GSR analysis.
In this course, students will expand their knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of firearms firing mechanisms, ammunition composition, production of gunshot residue (GSR) and the forensic chemical analysis of GSR.
Day 1
Provisional Timetable:
8.45am – 9.00am Meet at Ground Floor Reception of the Royal Armouries (travel to Royal Armouries, Leeds is required and not included in course cost)
9.00am – 9.30am NFC identification checks, sign in and security procedures
9.30am – 10.30am Workshop 1 (Handguns – Pistol, revolver and SMG)
10.30am – 10.45am Break
10.45am – 11.45am Workshop 2 (Shotgun)
11.45am – 12.30pm Lunch (cold buffet provided)
12.30am – 1.30pm Workshop 3 (Rifles)
1.30pm – 2.30pm Workshop 4 (Reactivated and converted weapons)
2.30pm – 2.45pm Break
2.45pm – 3.30pm Tour of the firearms collection and opportunity for students to apply knowledge acquired over the day
3.30pm – 4.30 pm Live firing demonstrations on the indoor firing range
4.30pm – 5.00pm Visit to the Royal Armouries museum (entry to museum is free of charge)
Teaching Methods:
Each workshop will be delivered by staff from the National Firearms Centre and involve hands-on and practical demonstration of:
firearm components;
firearm operating systems;
relevant aspects of ammunition composition;
relevant UK firearm law;
relationship between operating systems and weapons type to the forensic examination and recovery of gunshot residue (GSR) on live firearms.
Refreshments:
Lunch, tea and coffee are provided in the course fees on Day One only.
Day Two:
The morning will involve lecture/workshops related to the following subject matter:
Collection of GSR for forensic analysis
Chemical testing of evidence for indicative presence of GSR
Identification of organic and inorganic GSR particles
The afternoon will be comprised of an extended laboratory practical covering the collection of GSR from blank firing weapons, chemical analysis and identification of inorganic GSR particles using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray (SEM/EDX) analysis.
Travel:
Travel to and from Leeds can be provided for course attendees from Stoke-on-Trent (only) upon request, however, this is not automatically included in the cost of the course.