Topic 2 Flashcards
This procedure involves the documentation, collection, marking, preservation, packing, and transmission of evidence firearms, bullets, cartridge cases and allied pieces of evidence.
Field investigation
In marking the physical evidence, the investigator should engrave his/her initials and the date of recovery with the use of stylus or any pointed instrument. It is also imperative to observe the proper way of collecting, preserving, packing, and transmitting of the pieces of ballistics evidence in or to retain the evidentiary value. The procedures will be comprehensively discussed in the succeeding lesson.
Field investigation
Examples of the Characters Engraved on the Evidence:
K
A
V
1, 2 and 3
01 / 1/ 24
-Refers to the first name of the victim or investigator
K
- Refers to the middle name of the victim or investigator
A
Refers to the date of the recovery of evidence
01/1/24-
Refers to the order of the recovery of evidence
1, 2, and 3
it refers to the role of the forensic firearm examiner in the laboratory. The examiner’s goal is to solve the seven (7) problems of firearm identification.
Technical Examination
The firearm examiner conducts this activity in the laboratory to obtain sample bullet and cartridge cases from the evidence firearm. It is done with the use of a bullet recover box. The firearm examiner will usually test-fire the evidence firearm three times.
Test Firing
Purposes of Test Firing
Preliminary examination
Confirmation
Conclusion
is conducted to determine whether or not the individual characteristics of the evidence and test are similar
➤ Preliminary Examination
is done to verify whether the individual characteristics are still the same
➤ Confirmation
is the deciding point of the results from the first and second tests.
➤ Conclusion
This phase involves the preparation of the ballistics report and photomicrograph, the actual evidence examined and the other pertinent documents. Moreover, in this phase, the examiner will study, and prepare for the possible arguments and questions during the trial.
Preparation for Court Trial
Forensic hallistics experts are trained to identify and classify different types of firearms based on their design, features, and mechansuns of operation. This identification is crucial in linking firearms to specific criminal incidents
- Firearm Identification.
Forensic hallistics involves analyzing the paths that bullets take when fired from firearms. By examining the angles of entry and exit wounds on victims or objects, experts can determine the possible positions of the shooter, the distance between the firearm and the target, and even the sequence of shots in multiple shooting incidents.
- Projectile Trajectories,
Experts examine bullets and cartridge cases recovered from crime scenes to identify markings left by firearms. These markings, such as striations and toolmarks, can help link evidence to specific firearms
- Bullet and Cartridge Case Analysis.
Forensic experts analyze gunshot residue (GSR), which is the residue produced when a firearm is discharged. GSR analysis can help determine if an individual has recently fired a firearm and provide information about the proximity of the shooter to the scene.
- Gunshot Residue Analysis.
Forensic ballistics experts have a deep understanding of how firearms operate, including the interaction of variouscomponents such as triggers, firing pins, and ejectors. This knowledge helps experts explain the mechanics of firearm-related evidence in court.
- Firearm Function and Operation.
Through the analysis of ballistic evidence, experts can reconstruct shooting incidents. This can involve recreating the sequence of shots, determining bullet trajectories, and understanding the dynamics of the event.
- Crime Scene Reconstruction.
Forensic ballistics experts often serve as expert witnesses in court. They provide technical explanations of firearm-related evidence to judges, juries, and legal professionals, helping to establish the credibility of the evidence presented.
- Expert Testimony.
Toolmarks left on bullets, cartridge cases, and other objects can provide valuable information about the tools used to manufacture or modify firearms
- Toolmark Analysis.
is crucial in linking evidence to specific firearms or manufacturing processes.
Toolmark analysis
To estimate the distance from which a shot was fired based on physical evidence such as gunpowder residue patterns, bullet deformation, and entry hole characteristics.
- Distance Determination.
These often show soot, gunpowder stippling, or burns around the entry wound.
Contact or close-range shots
May leave a pattern of unburned powder or copper residue around the wound.
Intermediate-range shots.
These generally leave no gunpowder or stippling marks but are identified by the size and shape of the wound.
Long-range shots.
involves a combination of mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, and investigative techniques to help identify firearms, ammunition, and reconstruct shooting events. It plays a critical role in criminal investigations, from determining the firearm used in a crime to linking a suspect to a shooting incident and understanding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Forensic ballistics
is the science of examining suspected firearms. It also involves analysis and comparison of fired and test bullets and shells to identify the firearm used in the commission of the crime. Forensic ballistics is the application of ballistic knowledge to the identification of firearms.
Forensic Ballistics
