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Firearms and Trace Evidence
Recovered cartridge components are examined to determine if they were
fired or chambered in specific weapons and, in cases where no suspect
weapons are available, to determine the probable type and make of weapon
involved. Tool marks on a variety of materials are compared with suspect
tools. Gunshot residue (GSR) is analyzed to determine whether a suspect
fired a firearm and to estimate the distance between a gunshot victim
and firearm. Services include:
- determining whether a bullet, cartridge case or other ammunition
component had been loaded into or fired from a particular firearm;
- assessing the mechanical condition of firearms;
- determining the legal status of a firearm;
- conducting gunshot residue analysis from hands, face, clothing and
elsewhere;
- conducting analysis of bullet path at a crime scene or autopsy;
- determining whether a tool mark impression was made by a given tool;
- providing serial number restoration;
- researching and expanding the Firearms Reference Table; and
- hosting
and supporting the Integrated Ballistics Information System database
(IBIS).
If you are interested in a career as a Firearms examiner then you must
have a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical, physical or forensic science,
or a Bachelor of Engineering degree (mechanical or chemical) from a recognized
university. A Firearms technologist requires work-related experience.
Consult the Careers page for
additional employment information.
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