Multisuspect cases

In multisuspect cases the suspects should be separated immediately and remain separated at all times. Suspects are apprehended and conveyed to the sampling location in police vehicles. Ideally, a suspect should go directly to a room and be under constant supervision until sampling is complete. 

The search for a simple, reliable, fast, inexpensive, and conclusive test for FDR has yet to be realized. There is no doubt that the particles analysis method is the most desirable and informative method to date, but it is more suited to a moderate FDR caseload. In Northern Ireland we had a heavy FDR caseload and multisuspect cases were common. In one incident we had 38 suspects, with three or four upper outer garments each, to be examined. For a heavy FDR caseload the fast, inexpensive FAAS bulk elemental system is attractive, particularly considering the downgrading of the uniqueness of the particles detected coupled with the lengthy and costly procedures of the particle analysis method. The properties of FDR plus the lengthy and costly procedures of the particle analysis method, the limitations of a positive result... 

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