What is the importance of forensic ballistics?

What is the importance of forensic ballistics?

Ballistics is a very important part of the world of Forensic Science and much of its evidence is used in criminal proceedings. In some cases the use of ballistics research can prove a link between many different crimes carried out over a lengthy period of time.

What are the limitations of ballistics?

There are insufficient characteristics present to identify or eliminate the bullet/cartridge case as having been fired by the firearm. The bullet/cartridge case is not suitable for comparison.

What are the disadvantages of using strings for ballistics examination?

What are the disadvantages of using strings for ballistics examination? droop factor and the strength of the string.

How do ballistics help solve crimes?

Forensic ballistics involves the examination of evidence from firearms that may have been used in a crime. If investigators recover bullets from a crime scene, forensic examiners can test-fire a suspect’s gun, then compare the marks on the crime scene bullet to marks on the test-fired bullet.

How has technology improved how firearms and bullets can be used as evidence?

By doing automated searches, the system speeds up and optimizes time spent on comparisons. The best evidence in linking a firearm to a specific crime is matching the recovered projectile and cartridge casings to the suspect firearm.

How has technology improved forensic science?

Advances also have been achieved in many other areas of forensic science, such as fingerprints. Technology also has improved in the ability to detect latent fingerprints, which are among the most valuable types of physical evidence in criminal investigations.

What are 2 ways forensic scientists are able to link a bullet to a gun?

If police can find a potential weapon used in a crime, forensic experts can then analyse the striations on the bullet, which occurred during its passage through the gun. This allows forensic scientists to run test bullets through the gun to compare the resulting marks with the recovered bullets.

What is the first thing you should do as you approach a crime scene?

7 Steps of a Crime Scene Investigation

• Identify Scene Dimensions. Locate the focal point of the scene.
• Establish Security. Tape around the perimeter.
• Create a Plan & Communicate. Determine the type of crime that occurred.
• Conduct Primary Survey.
• Document and Process Scene.
• Conduct Secondary Survey.
• Record and Preserve Evidence.

What are the 8 steps to packaging evidence?

Terms in this set (11)

1. Obtain a search warrant.
2. Secure and Isolate the crime scene.
3. Record the scene.
4. Conduct a systematic search for evidence.
5. Collect and package physical evidence.
6. Maintain and chain of custody.
7. Obtain controls.
8. Submit evidence to the laboratory.

What type of evidence tape should be used?

Items of evidence must be properly sealed with evidence tape (must initial/date over evidence tape) and clearly marked with your agency inventory number and description. Make sure to use appropriate size packaging and proper labeling when applicable: BIOHAZARD, SHARPS, etc.

What is a sample taken from the crime scene called?

A sample of physical evidence that is collected at a crime scene is called a questioned sample or an unknown sample.

What are the three main ways to pick up hair evidence at a crime scene?

The most common methods used to collect hair and fiber evidence include the following:

• Visual collection. On some surfaces, hairs and fibers can be seen with the naked eye.
• Tape lifting. Trace tapes are available for the collection of trace hair and fiber evidence.
• Vacuuming.

What is the most common type of evidence found at a crime scene?

Fingerprints