Firearms

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

The section can determine:

If a firearm functions properly.
The type of weapon that fired a particular bullet or cartridge case.
Whether a bullet was fired from a specific weapon.
Whether a cartridge case was fired in a specific weapon.
Whether a tool found in a suspect’s possession was used to cut, scrape, pry or pinch evidence seized from a crime scene.
The original serial number or other identification data of a weapon or other metal object after the number or data has been obliterated.
The distance from the muzzle of the firearm to the target at the time the weapon was fired.
If gunpowder is present on a victim’s clothing or on other evidence that may have been the target.
If fingernail clippings or fragments found at a crime 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.

Lab Locations

Evidence Handling Video - Firearms Evidence Guidelines

Services

Filament Analysis
Characterization of light bulb filaments

Firearms Analysis
Comparisons between bullets, cartridge cases and firearms

IBIS
Entry of firearms/bullet/ cartridge case into NIBIN system

Toolmark Examination
Comparison of tools to marks found