What term refers to soot and particles found on a person who discharges a firearm?

The term that refers to soot and particles found on a person who discharges a firearm is commonly known as Gun Shot Residue (GSR). This residue is created when a firearm is fired and consists of tiny particles that are expelled from the gun. These particles can settle on the shooter’s hands, face, or clothing, making GSR a critical component in forensic investigations.

GSR is important in the context of criminal investigations as it can provide physical evidence that a person has recently discharged a firearm, thereby linking them to a shooting incident. Detecting GSR can help law enforcement establish a timeline of events and determine the involvement of individuals in a shooting.

While other terms like ballistic residue and firearm byproduct may refer to similar concepts, they are not as precise as Gun Shot Residue in the context of identifying the specific particles left on a shooter’s body after discharge. Understanding GSR is essential for first line supervisors in law enforcement, as it reflects knowledge of evidence collection and the forensics field.