John Coumbaros

The ‘miniaturization’ of laboratory-based analytical technologies has facilitated the development of field-deployable devices that are increasingly finding application in the forensic sciences. This is particularly the case in relation to the requirements of emergency services and police operations that may require rapid identification of materials encountered at scenes involving hazardous materials, explosives (pre- and postblast), and clandestine laboratories. This article summarizes the technologies that have been applied in the development of field-deployable devices and contrasts and compares them by discussing their advantages and limitations.