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Forensic Ballistics Semi-Guide

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Remart Cagas Salon
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11 views

Forensic Ballistics Semi-Guide

Uploaded by

Remart Cagas Salon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Forensic Ballistics: Proper Collection, Marking, and

Preservation
Forensic ballistics is a specialized field that involves the analysis of firearms, ammunition, and
related evidence to solve crimes. Proper collection, marking, and preservation of firearms, fired
bullets, and fired cartridge cases are crucial steps in the investigative process.

Firearms

Collection:

 Safety First: Always ensure the firearm is unloaded and rendered safe before handling.
 Document: Record the serial number, make, model, and any unique markings.
 Collect Ammunition: Collect any ammunition found in the firearm or nearby.

Marking:

 Initials and Date: Mark the firearm in an inconspicuous location, such as the butt or
trigger guard.
 Evidence Tag: Attach an evidence tag with a unique identifier and case number.

Preservation:

 Packaging: Place the firearm in a secure container, such as a gun case or cardboard box.
 Avoid Fingerprints: Minimize handling to prevent the transfer of fingerprints.
 Environmental Protection: Store the firearm in a dry, cool place to prevent rust and
corrosion.

Fired Bullets

Collection:

 Use Appropriate Tools: Use non-metallic tools to avoid damaging the bullet's surface.
 Recover from Surfaces: If embedded in a surface, carefully extract the bullet to preserve
any markings.
 Collect Debris: Collect any debris, such as fragments or metal shavings, around the
bullet.

Marking:

 Avoid Direct Marking: Do not mark the bullet directly as it can damage the microscopic
markings.
 Indirect Marking: Mark the evidence container or bag with the case number and
collector's initials.

Preservation:

 Packaging: Place the bullet in a small, labeled container, such as a pillbox or paper
envelope.
 Avoid Touching: Minimize handling to prevent the transfer of fingerprints or oils.

Fired Cartridge Cases

Collection:

 Recover from the Scene: Collect all cartridge cases, even if they appear damaged or
incomplete.
 Document Location: Note the exact location where each cartridge case was found.

Marking:

 Indirect Marking: Mark the evidence container or bag with the case number and
collector's initials.
 Avoid Direct Marking: Do not mark the cartridge case directly as it can damage the
microscopic markings.

Preservation:

 Packaging: Place each cartridge case in a separate, labeled container.


 Avoid Touching: Minimize handling to prevent the transfer of fingerprints or oils.

By following these guidelines, investigators can ensure that ballistic evidence is collected,
marked, and preserved properly, which is critical for successful forensic analysis and
prosecution.

Example: A Homicide Investigation


Scenario: A victim is found dead in a room with a single gunshot wound. A firearm is recovered
from the scene.

Evidence Collection and Preservation:

1. Firearm:
o Collection: The firearm is collected, ensuring it is unloaded and safe.
o Marking: The firearm is marked with the case number and collector's initials.
o Preservation: The firearm is placed in a secure container, such as a gun case, and
stored in a controlled environment.
2. Fired Bullet:
o Collection: The bullet is recovered from the victim's body or the wall.
o Marking: The bullet is not directly marked to avoid damaging the microscopic
markings. Instead, the evidence container is marked.
o Preservation: The bullet is placed in a small, labeled container.
3. Fired Cartridge Case:
o Collection: The cartridge case is recovered from the scene.
o Marking: The evidence container is marked with the case number and collector's
initials.
o Preservation: The cartridge case is placed in a separate, labeled container.

Forensic Ballistic Analysis:

1. Microscopic Examination:
o The firearm, bullet, and cartridge case are examined under a comparison
microscope to identify unique markings, such as striations and tool marks.
o These markings can be compared to determine if a particular firearm fired a
specific bullet or cartridge case.
2. Gunshot Residue Analysis:
o Gunshot residue (GSR) is collected from the victim's hands, clothing, and the
scene.
o GSR analysis can help determine the distance of the shooter from the victim and
identify potential shooters.
3. Trajectory Analysis:
o By analyzing the entry and exit wounds on the victim and the trajectory of the
bullet, investigators can reconstruct the shooting incident.

In this example, forensic ballistics can help to:

 Identify the firearm used in the crime: By comparing the markings on the bullet and
cartridge case to those on the recovered firearm.
 Determine the distance of the shooter from the victim: By analyzing the pattern of
gunshot residue on the victim and the scene.
 Reconstruct the shooting incident: By analyzing the trajectory of the bullet and the
position of the victim and the firearm.

By carefully collecting, marking, and preserving ballistic evidence, forensic scientists can
provide crucial information to law enforcement and the judicial system.

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