The forensic investigators searched for evidence of nitrocellulose , nitroglycerin and saltpetre. What modern analytical technique could be used to detect the presence of nitroglycerin?
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
What test was used to test for specific nitrite ions during the 1970s forensic analysis?
Griess test
* Reagent contains two components - an acid (NaOH) and then another reagent
* Shows pink/red with a positive identification of nitrite ions
What other test was often paired with the Griess test in the 1970s?
Thin layer chromatography to test for nitroglycerin
* Not very precise and not reliable quantitative results
What improvments have been made in Analysis and Court Procedure since 1974?
- 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
What is a soft target attack?
Non governmental and non military attack, an attack on the general public
What was introduced from the Birmingham Pub Bombings in 1974 by the Home Secretary?
First Prevention of Terrorism Act
* Seven day detention and deportation to Ireland (N. or Rep.) for suspected terrorists
