Explosions 8

Question 1

The forensic investigators searched for evidence of nitrocellulose , nitroglycerin and saltpetre. What modern analytical technique could be used to detect the presence of nitroglycerin?

Answer 1

GC-TEA
* 3 columns, 2 standards and then calculate the RRTs
* GC to look at volatile components
* TEA to look for nityl components
* Very sensitive

Question 2

What test was used to test for specific nitrite ions during the 1970s forensic analysis?

Answer 2

Griess test
* Reagent contains two components - an acid (NaOH) and then another reagent
* Shows pink/red with a positive identification of nitrite ions

Question 3

What other test was often paired with the Griess test in the 1970s?

Answer 3

Thin layer chromatography to test for nitroglycerin
* Not very precise and not reliable quantitative results

Question 4

What improvments have been made in Analysis and Court Procedure since 1974?

Answer 4

• The sensitivity and specificity of the test
• More controlled environments - clean rooms, HEPA filters and testing conditions
• Better recovery of evidence - less chance of contamination
• Addition independent testing - different labs will do the same test and those results have to match to be presented in court
• Multiple tests - must get the same result each time
• Less “argument from authority” with regards to expert witnesses
• A more standardised approach to analytical evidence presentation in court

Question 5

What is a soft target attack?

Answer 5

Non governmental and non military attack, an attack on the general public

Question 6

What was introduced from the Birmingham Pub Bombings in 1974 by the Home Secretary?

Answer 6

First Prevention of Terrorism Act
* Seven day detention and deportation to Ireland (N. or Rep.) for suspected terrorists