Balancing the Utility and Legality of Implementing Portable Mass Spectrometers Coupled With Ambient Ionization in Routine Law Enforcement Activities

• NCJ Number: 255242
• Journal: Analytical Methods Volume: 9 Issue: 34 Dated: 2017 Pages: 5015-5022
• Author(s): Aalessandra M. Bruno; Scott R. Cleary; Adam E. O'leary; Michael C. Gizzi; Christopher C. Mulligan
• Date Published: 2017
• Length: 8 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2011-DN-BX-K552; 2015-IJ-CX-K011
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description
• Award: Accessing the Probative Value of Physical Evidence at Crimes Scenes with Ambient Mass Spectrometry and Portable Instrumentation; Analytical Validation and Impact Assessment of On-Site Evidence Screening via Ambient Sampling, Portable Mass Spectrometry

Annotation

This study examined practical and theoretical usage scenarios in traffic control stops, using paper spray ionization-mass spectrometry (PSI-MS) on a portable, ruggedized instrument to demonstrate the field utility for law enforcement personnel, particularly in prompting "probable cause" searching of vehicles.

Abstract

Ambient sampling, portable mass spectroscopy (MS) systems have the potential to enable field processing of forensic evidence, as well as serve as a flexible investigative tool during routine law enforcement activities; however, the underlying legal implications of evidentiary data require the discretion of practitioners to ensure both lawful and ethical usage. Specific applications include the detection and identification of trace level contraband found as surface residues on automotive surfaces, in the presence of latent fingerprints, and in conjunction with emerging evidence types like adulterated beverages and electronic cigarette liquids. In addition, the current state of U.S. search and seizure law was examined to discern the presumed legal usage modes from the full analytical potential of the technique. These studies, in turn, can assist in predetermining the investigatory and legal impacts of field deployment of similar instrumentation in policing activities. (publisher abstract modified)