Forensic Issues

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) C5 H8N4O12 CH,NOj 1 OjNCHj C CH2NO2 CH2NO2 3.8 X 10-1° 317.02 739 

A proof-of-principle study, which sampled the headspace at room temperature above small samples of the explosives RDX, TNT, PETN and HMX, demonstrated that even with explosive samples at room temperature sufficient quantities of explosive molecules could reach the reaction region of a PTR-MS to provide a detectable signal of the protonated parent molecule provided a heated inlet line system is used [5], Although the protonated parent molecules for RDX, TNT, PETN and HMX were observed in the pilot study, in the case of RDX it has been shown that the non-dissociative proton transfer channel has a low branching ratio [6], The dominant reaction channel is in fact loss of HONO from protonated RDX resulting in an ion fragment being observed at miz 176. 

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Logan BK. Amphetamines an update on forensic issues. J Anal Toxicol 2001 25 400-4. 

Ciolino, L.A., and Mesmer, M.Z. (2000). Bridging the gap between GHB and GBL - forensic issues of interconversion. American Academy of Forensic Science Annual Meeting, Reno, NV, Abstract B51. 

S B. Karch, Forensic Issues in Alcohol Testing. CRC Press, 2010. 

Ciolino, L. A., et al. "The Chemical Interconversion of GHB and GBL Forensic Issues aind Implications." Journal cf Forensic Sciences, 46 2001,1315-1323. 

Forensic science is an applied science having a focus on practical scientific issues that come up during criminal investigations or at trial. Some components ate unique to the field because it is conducted within the legal arena. Forensic science issues in chemistry and biochemistry in criminal investigations are discussed herein. There are a host of other forensic science areas, eg, forensic medicine, forensic dentistry, forensic anthropology, forensic psychiatry, and forensic engineering, any of which may overlap with forensic chemistry. 

Forensic scientists work with physical evidence, ie, "data presented to a court or jury in proof of the facts in issue and which may include the testimony of witnesses, records, documents or objects." Physical evidence is teal or tangible and can HteraHy include almost anything, eg, the transient scent of perfume on the clothing of an assault victim the metaboHte of a dmg detected in the urine of an individual in a driving-under-the-influence-of-dmgs case the scene of an explosion or bullets removed from a murder victim s body. 

Physical evidence serves two purposes. In some cases it is used to prove a component or element of a crime. Eor example, in a case involving trafficking in cocaine [50-36-2] the prosecutor must prove that the white powder found in the criminal s possession was cocaine (Table 1). The forensic chemist tests the substance and issues a report. If the powder is methamphetamine [537-46-2] the charge must be amended. 

Legal Issues Associated With PCP Abuse—The Role of the Forensic Expert... 

Routine analysis of common designer drugs in human biological fluids (e.g., plasma, urine) is a major concern in doping control, surveillance of drug substitution, clinical toxicology, as well as forensic science.Method sensitivity is often an issue since many drugs... 

This is a key issue in every aspect of the forensic examination of explosion scenes, and in subsequent analysis of evidential samples. Unless the results can withstand the meticulous scrutiny properly given to them in a court, they are useless. The requirements include ... 

Some specific needs refer to fields of particular importance, e.g. food quality including all relevant issues consumer goods governed by the New Approach Directives and relevant harmonised European standards the protection of the enviromnent and the quality of life as well as the economic concerns of the consumers dangerous substances and preparations and their impact on human beings, animals and the environment forensic science. 

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