Division of Forensic Sciences

Firearms Section

The Firearms and Tool-Mark Section is a versatile, well-equipped unit offering a number of services that can be useful to investigators.

The section can determine:

* The type of weapon that fired a particular bullet or cartridge case

* Whether a bullet was, or could have been, fired from a specific weapon

* Whether a cartridge case was, or could have been, fired in a specific weapon

* Whether a tool found in a suspect's possession was, or could have been, used to cut, scrape, pry, or pinch evidence seized from a crime scene

* The original serial number of a weapon or other metal object after the number has been obliterated

* If gunpowder is present on a victim's clothing or on other evidence that may have been the target of the suspect

* The distance from the muzzle of the firearm to the target at the time the weapon was fired

* If any elements are present in a properly prepared Gunshot Residue Kit that could be associated with the firing of a weapon

* If fingernail clippings or fragments found at a scene can be identified as having come from a specific person

* If a lamp was on or off at the time of an accident by examining the condition of the filament

The following links provide more information on the above:

Basics of Firearms Comparisons

Comparison Process

Cartridge Casings

Tools markings

Other Capabilities of the Firearms Section

 

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