| Title: | Advances in the use of odour as forensic evidence through optimizing and standardizing instruments and canines |
| Author(s): | Furton KG; Caraballo NI; Cerreta MM; Holness HK; |
| Address: | "Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, 11200, SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA furtonk@fiu.edu. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, 11200, SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA" |
| Journal Title: | Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1471-2970 (Electronic) 0962-8436 (Print) 0962-8436 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "This paper explores the advances made in identifying trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that originate from forensic specimens, such as drugs, explosives, live human scent and the scent of death, as well as the probative value for detecting such odours. The ability to locate and identify the VOCs liberated from or left by forensic substances is of increasing importance to criminal investigations as it can indicate the presence of contraband and/or associate an individual to a particular location or object. Although instruments have improved significantly in recent decades-with sensitivities now rivalling that of biological detectors-it is widely recognized that canines are generally still more superior for the detection of odourants due to their speed, versatility, ruggedness and discriminating power. Through advancements in the detection of VOCs, as well as increased standardization efforts for instruments and canines, the reliability of odour as evidence has continuously improved and is likely to continue to do so. Moreover, several legal cases in which this novel form of evidence has been accepted into US courts of law are discussed. As the development and implementation of best practice guidelines for canines and instruments increase, their reliability in detecting VOCs of interest should continue to improve, expanding the use of odour as an acceptable form of forensic evidence" |
| Keywords: | Animals Dogs/*physiology Forensic Sciences/*methods *Odorants Smell Volatile Organic Compounds/*chemistry detection canines drugs explosives forensic science human remains human scent; |
| Notes: | "MedlineFurton, Kenneth G Caraballo, Norma Iris Cerreta, Michelle M Holness, Howard K eng Review England 2015/06/24 Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2015 Aug 5; 370(1674):20140262. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0262" |
