Firearm And Toolmark Investigations

Question 1

What percentage increase in criminal use of firearms was observed from 2009 to 2019?

Answer 1

81%

Question 2

How many homicides involving a firearm were reported in Canada in 2020?

Answer 2

277

Question 3

What percentage of homicides in 2020 involved a firearm?

Answer 3

37.2%

Question 4

What are common illegal drugs in Canada?

Answer 4

• MDMA (Molly, Ecstasy, E)
• Marijuana
• Acid (LSD)
• Methamphetamines
• Cocaine
• Speed (Crystal Meth)
• Heroin

Question 5

What is Fentanyl?

Answer 5

A synthetic opiate narcotic that is extremely potent and requires a prescription.

Question 6

What is the lethal dose of pure fentanyl for a non-opiate user?

Answer 6

2mg

Question 7

What is the projected lethal dose of pure Carfentanil?

Answer 7

20 mcg

Question 8

What is Naloxone used for?

Answer 8

To temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Question 9

What types of firearms are classified as handguns?

Answer 9

• Pistol
• Revolver

Question 10

What is the main mechanism of a pistol?

Answer 10

Fires a chambered round, extracts and ejects the empty casing, and loads a new round with each trigger pull.

Question 11

What distinguishes a revolver from a pistol?

Answer 11

A revolver has a cylinder with multiple chambers that rotates to align the next chamber with the firing pin.

Question 12

What are the two main types of actions for shotguns?

Answer 12

• Pump Action
• Semi-Automatic

Question 13

What is rifling?

Answer 13

A manufacturing process that creates lands and grooves in a spiral down the length of the barrel.

Question 14

What is the difference between shotgun ammunition and rifle ammunition?

Answer 14

Shotgun ammunition is called a ‘shell’ while rifle ammunition is referred to as a ‘bullet.’

Question 15

How is the gauge of a shotgun defined?

Answer 15

The measurement of the barrel’s inside diameter; smaller gauge means larger diameter.

Question 16

What is a cartridge in ammunition terminology?

Answer 16

Live ammunition that has not been fired.

Question 17

What is the purpose of the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS)?

Answer 17

To acquire, store, and compare digital images from projectiles and cartridge cases.

Question 18

What is the primary use of gunshot residue (GSR) in linking persons to firearms?

Answer 18

To detect residue on hands, clothing, and vehicles.

Question 19

What is the maximum distance GSR is useful for determining proximity to a gunshot?

Answer 19

Approximately 1 metre.

Question 20

What does the term ‘trajectory’ refer to?

Answer 20

The curved path of the projectile from the muzzle to the target surface.

Question 21

What should be done when handling firearms at a crime scene?

Answer 21

Treat all firearms as loaded until proven safe.

Question 22

What is toolmark examination?

Answer 22

A forensic science discipline that determines if a toolmark was produced by a particular tool.

Question 23

What are the possible conclusions from toolmark examination?

Answer 23

• Identification
• Inconclusive
• Elimination
• Unsuitable

Question 24

What is Mikrosil commonly used for in toolmark analysis?

Answer 24

To cast toolmark impressions from crime scenes.