After giving much thought to the many areas covered by Forensics Sciences, the main criteria to which my choices were narrowed and ultimately the final decision of Ballistics and/or Fingerprint Analysis was based on by the complexity of the job, need for a keen eye, and my wanting to be challenged in a career. I have no doubt that there are other areas that would be just if not more challenging however interest is a another key element in the making such a life changing and difficult decision. The history of firearm and tool-mark identification has been a long one having evolved with great bounds over the last 165 years from the simple observation, physical matching, and caliber determination from an examination of shape/size of a …show more content…
As the misuse of firearms in criminal cases increased during the 1960s, especially in the United States, the individuals involved in this field were recognized for both continuing the development of the science as well as public and legal acceptance of the science and in 1969 these efforts brought about an organization called the Association of Firearm and Tool-mark Examiners (AFTE). (Hamby, 1999)
In the last part of the 20th century (1970-1999) saw the greatest and most significant advances in the science of ballistics, due to the ability to fully utilize the vast potential of computers, this has also allowed science and specifically forensic science to develop several useful “tools” for use within firearms laboratories including the current Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) , which allows for the capturing of digital images of fired bullets which are analyzed to provide possible ‘hits” from the National Integrated Ballistics Identification System (NIBIS) for examination using a comparison microscope, this technology was unheard of just a few years ago. (Hamby, 1999)
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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.
A 9mm luger round was discovered immediately after the alert of the victim. Then two 45 GPL CP round were discovered approximately 1 inch apart from each other at 0711. Close-up and medium range pictures were then taken of the bullets. A 9mm Luger was discovered with a red stain on the bullet at 0713 approximately 1.9 feet away from the tree on the scene. A sample was then collected and sent to the lab for testing at 0716. Talking to the officers at the hospital it was found that victim never woke-up and no other evidence was discovered on the scene. A cylindrical piece of metal was found at 0719 and documented and
The case that was researched is the case of the people vs. Robert Blake. In this case it is stated that the husband Robert Blake murdered his wife Bonnie Bakley. It was determined that Mr.Blake fired shots from a world war 2 vintage 9mm Walther P38 Luger pistol. The weapon was found in a dumpster near where Mr. Blake parked his car and was covered with dirt and motor oil. The 9mm pistol was cleaned and tested fired. And the gun was fired to see if it would leave gunshot residue behind after being fired.
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.
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?
The victim sustained a gunshot to the abdomen and in the head. After analysing photographs of the crime scene and the bullet entries in the body, the investigators were able to determine the trajectory of the bullet’s path and discovered that for the gunshot to the abdomen the assailant was approximately 2 feet away. After being shot in the abdomen, the victim attempted to distance herself when she fell and the assailant came closer and shot her in the head. The two bullets were retrieved from the body so they could examine the bullet’s tool marks and they discovered that the bullets are a .38 caliber. The bullet’s lands and grooves will later be used to match the bullets to the assailant’s
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,
When evidence is gathered, different equipment and processes are used to determinate what it means. In 2011, the Federal Bureau of Investigation estimated that 8,583 murder victims, in the United States, died because of a firearm. Forensic scientist can use equipment, such as the Integrated Ballistic Identification System, to find what firearm was used (Bureau). "They used a shotgun loaded with double-O buckshot. Inside the casing for each shot are nine
A firearm is a very complex tool that has grown in s verbal ways over several years, each version better than the last, all of which changing the world in a new way.All across the world and across several eras firearms have been used, firearms have also been the reason for wars and laws, as a very important part of our history it is appropriate that several facts are clearly stated.Back in the Han dynasty, under the leadership of emperor Wu Di, gunpowder was discovered. This particular document will include such topics such as the one previously stated and early firing systems and other weapons, also a brief history of military issued pistols through America's history and your rights as an american citizen to bear arms. Firearms, from early
You would know what type of gun that was used in the crime that was committed. You would be able to get the history of the gun owners, if it has been registered to a person. You can get a finger print off of a gun to see who has handled it. If the gun is registered, then you can find out who owns the gun. This would help lead them to know who to arrest or who may have been a partner in a crime. You can do tests that will match the firearm. Depending on how the weapon is used, you might be able to get DNA evidence of the victim of the gun. You would also be able to find out how many bullets may have been used in the crime depending how many bullets that are missing from the clip or from the inside of the
A segment of the Forensic Science in the Criminal equity organization that the vast majority acquainted with these days, however, few individuals know how this particular science came to be. Overall, legal science is intended to utilize experimental standards to clarify obscure parts of a wrongdoing. Through the utilization of uncommon tests and lab gear that permits researchers to recognize decisively different parts of a bit of confirmation in an illegal behavior. On the off chance that you occupied with finding out about how this procedure came to fruition, you have to peruse the recorded data underneath. Here is a brief history
Studying forensic science, I have learned the need to work in an organised fashion and keep accurate records of the task being completed. These are qualities that will stand me a good stead. In testing biological samples such as blood, or analysing fingerprints I have gained an insight of the need for careful observation and the need to identify samples carefully. Analytical chemistry has given me experience in practically showing ability to interpret results and reach conclusions. Studying
Any moist or wet biological evidence (blood, body fluids, plants, etc.) like the lottery ticket on the counter with the blood smeared print on it should be collected wearing gloves it should then be placed in a clean unused paper container such an envelope, and or small bag and transported back to an evidence receiving area, it should then be taken out of the bag and allowed to air dry thoroughly. The Ninhydrin process should be applied to this piece of evidence to obtain noticeable prints.
The use of fingerprinting as a means of identification was born out of the need of law enforcement officials to have permanent records that could determine if a convict had been previously arrested or imprisoned. Before the advent of fingerprinting, law enforcement used a number of different methods to try to accomplish this. Ancient civilizations would tattoo or physically maim prisoners. In more recent times, daguerreotyping (that is, photographing) was used, but proved to be less than reliable, because people had the ability to dramatically alter their appearance (Skopitz). As a result, this method too, became obsolete with the discovery of fingerprinting, an absolutely infallible
Every time somebody touches something, they leave behind a unique signature that forever links them to that object. This link is their fingerprints, which are unique to every person, for no two people have the same set, not even family members or identical twins. Palms and toes also leave prints behind, but these are far less commonly found during crime scene investigations. Therefore, fingerprints provide an identification process that is applicable to background checks, biometric security, mass disaster identification, and most importantly, crime scene investigations. Fingerprints are so differentiated because they are made up of distinct patterns of ridges and furrows on the fingers. The ridges are the “raised” portions of the prints, and the furrows are the “recessed” portions. This perceived uniqueness has led some people to falsely accept fingerprint analysis as absolute scientific fact. Although overall fingerprints are reliable, there are definitely situations where their accuracy can come into question.