Firearm And Toolmark Investigations Flashcards
What percentage increase in criminal use of firearms was observed from 2009 to 2019?
81%
How many homicides involving a firearm were reported in Canada in 2020?
277
What percentage of homicides in 2020 involved a firearm?
37.2%
What are common illegal drugs in Canada?
- MDMA (Molly, Ecstasy, E)
- Marijuana
- Acid (LSD)
- Methamphetamines
- Cocaine
- Speed (Crystal Meth)
- Heroin
What is Fentanyl?
A synthetic opiate narcotic that is extremely potent and requires a prescription.
What is the lethal dose of pure fentanyl for a non-opiate user?
2mg
What is the projected lethal dose of pure Carfentanil?
20 mcg
What is Naloxone used for?
To temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
What types of firearms are classified as handguns?
- Pistol
- Revolver
What is the main mechanism of a pistol?
Fires a chambered round, extracts and ejects the empty casing, and loads a new round with each trigger pull.
What distinguishes a revolver from a pistol?
A revolver has a cylinder with multiple chambers that rotates to align the next chamber with the firing pin.
What are the two main types of actions for shotguns?
- Pump Action
- Semi-Automatic
What is rifling?
A manufacturing process that creates lands and grooves in a spiral down the length of the barrel.
What is the difference between shotgun ammunition and rifle ammunition?
Shotgun ammunition is called a ‘shell’ while rifle ammunition is referred to as a ‘bullet.’
How is the gauge of a shotgun defined?
The measurement of the barrel’s inside diameter; smaller gauge means larger diameter.
What is a cartridge in ammunition terminology?
Live ammunition that has not been fired.
What is the purpose of the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS)?
To acquire, store, and compare digital images from projectiles and cartridge cases.
What is the primary use of gunshot residue (GSR) in linking persons to firearms?
To detect residue on hands, clothing, and vehicles.
What is the maximum distance GSR is useful for determining proximity to a gunshot?
Approximately 1 metre.
What does the term ‘trajectory’ refer to?
The curved path of the projectile from the muzzle to the target surface.
What should be done when handling firearms at a crime scene?
Treat all firearms as loaded until proven safe.
What is toolmark examination?
A forensic science discipline that determines if a toolmark was produced by a particular tool.
What are the possible conclusions from toolmark examination?
- Identification
- Inconclusive
- Elimination
- Unsuitable
What is Mikrosil commonly used for in toolmark analysis?
To cast toolmark impressions from crime scenes.
