Trace Evidence

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.

Since the early 20th century, the practice of firearm and toolmark identification or comparison has been a crucial factor in forensic science. Agencies such as the FBI have introduced a standard operating procedure which helps to identify weapons and toolmarks. There are certain criteria that must be met to be considered a match. These criteria include multi-level matching of the items brought from the scene of a crime with the test specimens. (http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/forensic-science-communications/fsc/july2009/review/2009_07_review01.htm).

Forensic evidence is evidence found in or around a crime scene. Then taken to a lab and studied by forensic scientist. This evidence can tell almost exactly what happened at a crime scene.

However, back in the 1980s, detailed studies were done to try to accomplish this task. One specific comprehensive study was done in 1984 by Peterson et al. In this study, the analysts found that physical evidence was discovered in only about twenty to thirty percent of serious crimes (Peterson, 2013). When each of the crimes were studied separately, however, they found that only crimes such as homicide, drug, or rape resulted in a large chance of physical evidence being found at the crime (Peterson, 2013). Cases such as attempted murder, burglaries, and robberies yielded lower chances of the retrieval of physical evidence from the crime (Peterson, 2013). When considering all of these possible crimes, the most commonly collected evidence were controlled substances, and then in lesser amounts, there was other physical evidence such as blood, hair, firearms, and fingerprints (Peterson, 2013).

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.

Examples of evidence: physical or chemical evidence left at the scene of a crime by a victim or suspect; recovered (stolen) property; or property currently under observation which is suspected to have been used in, or be the result of, the commission of a crime.

In addition , they also have to investigate. When the FBI arrive to a crime scene, they first look to see if they can see the weapons. Finding the weapon is a crucial step to finding the killer. A gun leaves the same unique patterns of marks on every bullet it fires. If the crime scene is by a river then police divers search for missing weapons at the bottom of river, lakes, and ponds. There may, however, be more than one crime scene.

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 United States, crimes are constantly being committed. Some of the crimes that are committed are simple, and other crimes are extremely complex. Every complex crime comes with its own challenges in distinguishing material evidence. Some evidence can be tiny as a hair, or a fiber that can be located on a piece of clothing or carpet. Even though, the size of the evidence is not important, the information that it provides investigators is crucial to finding the suspect of the crime. With the assistance of trace evidence, investigators can obtain the small particles that can transfer from two objects come together. Collecting material from any crime scene can yield a plethora of information. However, by properly collecting material evidence like the tire print impression, pubic hairs, multiple dog hairs, and foreign fibers. Investigators, were able to convict Cecil Sutherland for kidnapping, sexual assault, and three counts of murder.

In the event that any firearm is discovered at a crime scene there are certain steps that need to be done in order to properly collect any type of firearm evidence. If there is any kind of firearm found at the scene it should be rendered safe immediately. For safety is the first priority at any crime scene. Forensic technicians should assign an evidence number to the firearm, photograph orientation and close-up view’s, and take measurements of the firearm’s location prior to collecting it. In order to deem a semiautomatic pistol safe, the forensic technician should be wearing latex gloves an unload the weapon as follows; (Tina Young, 2011)

Let us start on how to collect and process expended projectiles and cartridge casings. When collecting expended casings, projectiles and remnants of shotgun ammunition each one should be numbered, photographed and measured for placement in a crime scene sketch (Tina Young, 2011). Each one collected should be placed in a pillbox or coin envelope then those should be placed into bigger envelopes or bags (Tina Young, 2011). If a projectile is stuck in a wall the section of the wall where the projectile is located should be removed (Tina Young, 2011). If a firearm found at a crime scene the best way to link it to the crime or other crimes is to test fire it into a water tank or ballistic gel. Once this has been done, the forensic tech can then compare the bullet and casing using a microscope. (Tina Young, 2011). If the firearm is not located then the casing or bullet can be ran through the National Ballistic Database. Now that we have talked about rendering firearms safe and also how they should be processed, now we can look at what information can be gained from the firearm and the cartridges and

The firearm will not always be on scene. There have also been times where there are no casings or firearms, the only evidence is gun residue and bullet holes. This can make solving the crime difficult. It is very important to process a crime scene correctly and with precaution to safety when dealing with firearm evidence (Young, 2011).

on evidence found at a crime scenes such as: hair, DNA, blood, fibers, fingerprints, documents,

Many different types of evidence are used in court, for example; direct, circumstantial, and real or physical evidence. The most important evidence used in court would be forensic evidence. In “Forensic: Evidence, Clues, and Investigation” by Andrea Campbell, forensic evidence is explained.

Firearms in the United States have always been very controversial, no matter what regulations we have put in the past, there is always something new. When a firearm is found at a crime scene, it is most likely the weapon or one of the weapons used to commit the crime or a killing. Firearms evidence is usually encountered in crimes against persons such as homicide, assault and robbery; but may also be found in other crimes such as burglary, rape, and narcotics violations. The first step into processing the firearm would be taking pictures and videos of the area and position the firearm was found at. The firearm is not to be touched with any bare hands or moved before pictures are taken. Safety is always the first concern if a gun or firearm goes off on anyone if the safety isn’t on. If the firearm is considered or known to be unloaded, it may be picked up with gloves on, and transported safely where it needs to go. If it is loaded, it should then be unloaded, with care taken to preserve all types of possible evidence.