Field Collection and Analysis of Forensic and Biometric Evidence Associated with IEDs

Abstract

Abstract : This report summarizes the results for contract N00014-05-M-0010. In summary, the objectives of this work were: * Define sample collection scenarios that are suited for the screening of personnel who are likely to be involved in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or who may be suicide bombers, to include at least one swab approach and one vapor sampling of hands or clothing. * Optimize the Fido technology to provide sample analysis in support of the defined scenarios. * Demonstrate successful detection within the scenarios. * Characterize samples of explosives with Fido and demonstrate the ability to determine probable matches to other samples. * Demonstrate Fido as a detection tool for other forensics applications, such as the detection of explosives in hair samples. Methods for collection of forensics evidence from humans and surfaces of objects that may have been exposed to explosives in the course of storage, construction, transport, and deployment of IEDs have been developed. These methods were been demonstrated with very encouraging results during laboratory and field trials. During field trials conducted at the Countermine Facility (CM) and the Joint Experimental Research Complex (JERC) site at Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG) from December 13-17, 2004, detection of explosives on explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians who had recently assembled similated IEDs was demonstrated with a high degree of probability. In addition, detection of explosives on vehicles used to transport the IEDs was demonstrated. Persons (mainly administrators at YPG) were also included in the study as persons who do not handle explosives (i.e., as blank' controls). With the exception of one individual, no sensor response to blank' individuals was noted. Contamination of facilities routinely utilized by EOD technicians at the CM site was also demonstrated.