CAPABILITIES
Criminal Forensics
When it comes to selecting a forensics laboratory to support your case, trust is critical. RJ Lee Group has an exceptional track record for collaborating with a broad range of law enforcement and legal agencies to assist in cases pertaining to primer gunshot residue. Our accreditation by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA Certificate #3985.05) is a testament to the quality of our work.
Our team of dedicated experts brings their extensive knowledge to criminal cases, ensuring accurate resolutions for our clients. With a broad clientele of law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial and defense attorneys’ offices, we provide an unwavering commitment to impartiality.
Our team frequently collaborates with over 400 agencies not only within the United States but also across the Caribbean and as far as New Zealand. We form close partnerships with law enforcement agencies, public defenders, private defense attorneys, prosecutors, private investigators, and other forensic laboratories by actively supporting investigations and providing reliable and impartial forensic analysis.
Primer Gunshot Residue (GSR) Analysis
When analyzing evidence, nothing is more important than the value, consistency, and reliability of your forensics testing laboratory. The RJ Lee Group forensics team meets or exceeds requirements established by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA Certificate #3985.05) and is accredited in gunshot residue analysis.
RJ Lee Group’s forensic scientists perform GSR analysis on samples from skin, clothing, vehicles, and other surfaces to determine if primer residue particles are present. We offer exceptional turnaround times and pioneered the use of computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy to quickly and accurately identify GSR particles.
We pride ourselves on our positive reputation in the industry, offering:
- A2LA-accredited in GSR Analysis (Certificate #3985.03 )
- Expertise in diverse surface GSR sampling
- Efficient GSR testing with exceptional turnaround times
- Pioneered the use of computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy
- Qualified as expert witnesses in 36 states, as well as Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and six additional countries
RJ Lee Group streamlines GSR collection and testing by offering all in one GSR test kits. When kits are purchased through RJ Lee Group and returned for laboratory analysis, the kit cost is credited toward the analysis.
Criminal Forensic Consultations
Our experts’ abilities go beyond laboratory analysis. We also offer criminal forensic consultation services to support those working with gunshot residue (GSR) evidence.
-
Review and critique laboratory reports from other forensic laboratories, including evaluation of analytical methods, data interpretation, and reported conclusions related to GSR evidence.
-
Review related case materials associated with GSR analysis, such as evidence collection documentation, police reports, photographs, and video recordings, to assess whether proper collection and handling procedures were followed.
-
Develop informed case strategies by helping clients understand the strengths, limitations, and context of GSR findings.
-
Help prepare clients for testimony, including clarification of technical GSR concepts and common questions related to collection, analysis, and interpretation.
-
Provide expert witness testimony when needed, related to GSR analysis and interpretation.
Gunshot Residue (GSR) Training Services
RJ Lee Group offers customized Gunshot Residue (GSR) training designed specifically for law enforcement agencies, crime scene investigators, and legal professionals. Our training is a practical, application-focused presentation that helps attendees understand how to properly collect GSR and interpret results in the context of real-world investigations and legal proceedings.
Training options include:
-
On-site sessions at your location for hands-on guidance
-
Virtual presentations tailored to your team’s schedule and needs
Our experts cover key topics such as:
-
Best practices for collecting GSR evidence
-
Chain of custody and contamination avoidance
-
How laboratory results should be interpreted
-
What GSR findings do—and do not—mean in a legal context
Whether you're building a case or ensuring your officers follow the most effective collection protocols, our training helps you apply GSR science with confidence and clarity.
Law Enforcement Agencies
Public Defenders
Prosecutorial Offices
Private Defense
Crime Lab
Private Investigator
Expert Spotlight
Tarah Helsel
Manager & Forensic Scientist
Tarah oversees and participates in the preparation, analysis, interpretation and reporting of gunshot residue (GSR) evidence using Scanning Electron Microscopy / Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) techniques. She is an expert witness and has given testimony in federal and state courts, for both the prosecution and the defense on more than 90 occasions. She has been qualified as an expert witness in courts in 20 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the countries of Bermuda and Turks and Caicos.
Case study
How AeroTech Secured Its Future
When AeroTech Industries faced recurring defects in a crucial aircraft component, they were at risk of losing multi-million dollar contracts and jeopardizing the jobs of hundreds of employees. They enlisted the help of RJ Lee Group, who quickly deployed a team of technical experts. Through state-of-the-art forensic analysis, RJ Lee Group identified and rectified the root cause—a flaw in the casting process—eliminating the defect and preserving AeroTech's contracts.