How to do Paraffin test in line with police procedures?

The paraffin test, also known as the paraffin wax test or the paraffin oil test, is a forensic technique used to detect the presence of gunshot residue (GSR) on the hands of a person suspected of firing a gun. Here are the steps on how to perform a paraffin test in line with police procedures:

Materials Required:

- Paraffin wax

- Distilled or deionized water

- Disposable gloves

- Tweezers

- Scalpel or sharp blade

- Glass or metal plate

- Fume hood or well-ventilated area

- Safety glasses

Procedure

Step 1: Preparation

- Put on disposable gloves to avoid contaminating the evidence.

- Ensure that the test is conducted in a well-ventilated area or a fume hood to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.

Step 2: Sample Collection

- Ask the suspect to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water. This helps remove any loose particles that may interfere with the test.

Step 3: Application of Paraffin Wax

- Melt paraffin wax in a double boiler or microwave until it reaches a liquid state.

- Using a brush, apply a thin and even layer of liquid paraffin wax to the suspect's hands, covering the palms, backs of hands, and fingers.

Step 4: Solidification of Wax

- Allow the wax to cool and solidify on the hands.

Step 5: Removal of Wax

- Once the wax has hardened, carefully peel it off from the hands.

- Place the wax pieces on a glass or metal plate.

Step 6: Chemical Treatment

- Immerse the wax pieces in a container filled with distilled or deionized water.

- Bring the water to a simmering temperature (approximately 80°C/176°F) for a few minutes. This helps dissolve any GSR particles trapped in the wax.

Step 7: Examination of Water

- After simmering, carefully remove the wax pieces from the water using tweezers.

- Examine the water under a microscope for the presence of GSR particles.

- GSR particles typically appear as small, dark, and angular crystals.

Step 8: Documentation and Analysis

- Take photographs or make sketches of the GSR particles observed under the microscope.

- Compare the suspected GSR particles with known GSR samples to confirm the presence of gunshot residue.

Precautions

- Handle paraffin wax carefully, as it may cause burns if it comes into contact with hot wax.

- Work in a well-ventilated area or use a fume hood to avoid inhaling fumes.

- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes.

- Follow all safety protocols and guidelines set by your law enforcement agency.

It's important to note that the paraffin test is not considered a definitive test for the presence of GSR. It may provide presumptive evidence, but further analysis and testing, such as using microscopy and chemical spot tests, are typically conducted to confirm the presence and nature of GSR.

Always consult and adhere to the specific guidelines and procedures established by your law enforcement agency when conducting the paraffin test.