Firearm Evidence Research Paper

An investigation involving a firearm is a specialty of forensic science which focuses on the examination of firearms linked to ballistics. Ballistics is related to finding out the exact flight path of projectiles. Ballistics is the area of study that examines the exact path of the bullet from the moment it leaves the muzzle of the firearm up until it hits the target. During examination many items are collected for evidence including the firearm, bullets, live ammunition, cartridge casings, trace materials such as powder residue, and anything damaged by the projectile. Firearms are often divided into three processes: Internal, External, and Terminal Ballistics. Internal refers to the inside of the firearm; the space of time in which the shooter pulls the trigger, and the when the bullet is exiting. External ballistics is the flight between leaving the muzzle of the firearm, and it striking its target. Terminal ballistics is the impact of ballistics that refers to the examination in which the projectile strikes a target. All firearms leave markings on the cartridge casings once expelled when firing. Ballistic identification and microstamping laws make it possible to link a cartridge recovered to the

Forensic ballistics and firearm investigation begin when the bullets, cartridges, a weapon, or any combination of the above found at a crime scene. With the evidence, a crime laboratory will explore for clues on some things that might cause a suspect or possible to prove that the things were used in the crime. By contrast, the markings on the bullets or cartridges found at the scene with those discharged from the suspect’s weapon, a ballistics expert will typically confirm if the rounds came from a similar weapon. Just the act of cycling a cartridge through the weapon without firing it will leave permanent scratches on the case that is distinctive to the weapon.

I would pick the handgun and ensure that it is not still loaded and if so I would unload the handgun and place the unused bullets in an envelope. The next thing that I would do is record all of the necessary serial numbers of the handgun, the make, model and caliber of the weapon. Then I would mark it in some form of inconspicuous manner for the lab. Then I would pick the shells with a pair of tweezers to make sure that I don’t mess up any finger prints that may still be on the shell. I would then place them in a separate envelope wrapped in paper or a box if I have one. Then I would label the evidence for transport to the lab.

Why do you think it is so important that all evidence be identified (such as marking the bullets and tagging firearms)? What consequences might result if these procedures were not followed?

If I were in charge of retrieving bullets at a crime scene I’d first I would have to find a way to remove the bullet out while preserving any possible markings on the bullet. Then the bullets can be placed into a marked container for identification purposes. Then to transport the bullet to the crime laboratory, I’d wrap the bullet in tissue paper and placed in an envelope or pillbox. I would have to be careful with the handling and packaging of the bullet, because I would have to be careful to preserve any trace evidence that might be present on the bullet.

We found a 40 caliber at the house that matched the casings from the scene, we diagramed the location and the condition as well as photographed before recovering and securing. I examined to see if the weapon was loaded and it was not. I marked the position of the cylinder, using two pen marks I put on the top of the cylinder alone each side of the top strap of the frame. I noted the loaded casings found in the box of ammunition in the field notes. It was then bagged and sent to the lab.

The other end of the rope was still tied to the bottom of a metal shelving unit, which was fastened to the ceiling. The bottom shelving unit is approximately five feet above the floor. There was a Glock .380 semi-automatic handgun found lying under the victim’s right leg, just below his knee. There was what appeared to be blood on the slide of the Glock and the shell casing had not been ejected from the gun after being fired. There were five rounds still in the magazine of the weapon. The box for the weapon was found on a counter on the opposite side of the garage along with a box of Sig Sauer .380 100 grain / full metal jacket ammunition. There were six round missing from the box. There was a receipt found inside the gun case indicating both the firearm and ammunition had been purchased by the victim from Shooters World at 116 E. Fletcher Avenue on 05-28-2018 at 1307

The issues of gun violence and crimes has been a major concern in the life of every American citizen. While these issues affect everyone, however black people especially black men and youths are more likely to be victims.With each passing day, the chances of living a normal life without fear of being killed or injured is becoming very difficult and impossible for black people in America. Gun violence and crimes seems to have become a public health crisis and epidermis that won't easily go away unless effective action are taken. Most black people are beginning to learn how to adjust to this new norms. The major concern of most black families at this point is the safety of

Most of these are just basic calls. We did however have two runs where firearms were found both outside a women’s house and then another under a tree a couple blocks over. We fingerprints those guns, bagged the, and then took them to the evidence room.

Do you know what the steps are when it comes to processing firearms evidence? The first step to processing a firearm as evidence is to put gloves on your hands. Then you should take pictures of the gun when you find it at the crime scene. Make sure the picture is as clear as possible because it will be used in the court room. Make sure you included some form of measuring the gun that is in the picture. Next, take the bullets out of the gun and put the bullets in a line. Take a picture of it so the court can see the amount of bullets that was found at the crime scene in each gun. You also need to take pictures of all of the empty bullet shells that you may

In the book, The Year we Disappeared by Cylin Busby and John Busby, the forensic scientist were able to find out that the gun used in the attempt to kill John was a shotgun. They found this information using ballistics. "Instead, I heard this incredible roar and felt this tremendous punch in my nose. I knew I 'd been shot, that 's what the booming sounds were. I 'd probably been hit in the nose and mouth (Busby 18).” When the murder shot John, evidence of all kinds were left behind. Forensic scientist can later gather this evidence and analyze it. After all the evidence is gathered, it is up to the scientist to determine what it means.

Firearms that are left behind at a crime scene can be extremely helpful. This evidence includes not only the firearm itself but also the ammunition used in the firearm, componets that make up the firearms, and the residue that comes out when the

As is with both the previous two types when collecting evidence for a shoulder firearm or a long gun, the forensic technician is to assign an evidence number, photograph orientation and close-up views of the long gun in place, and take measurements of the firearm’s location prior to collection. The forensic technician should hold the firearm by the grip or stock and avoid contact with any smooth surfaces that may yield latent fingerprints. As with any firearm, this should also be pointed downward and away from people. It is very important that nothing is put inside the barrel of the gun as it can scratch the barrel or contaminate trace evidence or DNA that may be inside the barrel. (Tina Young,

Gun control is a really serious problem that the united state need to do something about.

As firearm production began to become more advance and higher quality in the assembly process it opened more ways for investigators to attack firearm crimes. The range of evidence that can be recovered from a firearm-involved case can be as small as a bullet fragment that holds the rifling markings from the firearm to the firearm itself. The firearm itself is a highly anticipated form of evidence that investigators will search for because of the information it can possess. The firearm itself can hold many different forms of evidence such as the firearm serial number. In 1968 the United States passed the Gun Control Act, which obligates that all guns manufactured or imported to the USA must obtain a serial number ("Gun Control Act | ATF", 2016). If the firearm possesses a serial number it will allow