Development of Profiling Methods for Contraband Firearm Volatile Odor Signatures

Nettles, Kirsten and Ford, Cameron and Prada-Tiedemann, Paola A. (2022) Development of Profiling Methods for Contraband Firearm Volatile Odor Signatures. Frontiers in Analytical Science, 1. ISSN 2673-9283

[thumbnail of pubmed-zip/versions/1/package-entries/frans-01-785271/frans-01-785271.pdf] Text
pubmed-zip/versions/1/package-entries/frans-01-785271/frans-01-785271.pdf - Published Version

Download (1MB)

Abstract

The early detection and location of firearm threats is critical to the success of any law enforcement operation to prevent a mass shooting event or illegal transport of weapons. Prevention tactics such as firearm detection canines have been at the front line of security tools to combat this national security threat. Firearm detection canines go through rigorous training regimens to achieve reliability in the detection of firearms as their target odor source. Currently, there is no scientific foundation as to the chemical odor signature emitted from the actual firearm device that could aid in increased and more efficient canine training and performance protocols or a better understanding of the chemistry of firearm-related odorants for better source identification. This study provides a novel method application of solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) as a rapid system for the evaluation of odor profiles from firearm devices (loaded and unloaded). Samples included magazines (n = 30) and firearms (n = 15) acquired from the local law enforcement shooting range. Headspace analysis depicted five frequently occurring compounds across sample matrices including aldehydes such as nonanal, decanal, octanal and hydrocarbons tetradecane and tridecane. Statistical analysis via principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted a preliminary clustering differentiating unloaded firearms from both loaded/unloaded magazines and loaded firearm devices. These results highlight potential odor signature differences associated with different firearm components. The understanding of key odorants above a firearm will have an impact on national security efforts, thereby enhancing training regimens to better prepare canine teams for current threats in our communities.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: SCI Archives > Chemical Science
Depositing User: Managing Editor
Date Deposited: 07 Feb 2023 06:42
Last Modified: 01 Aug 2024 13:57
URI: http://science.classicopenlibrary.com/id/eprint/359

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item