Firearm and Toolmark Identification

Firearm and Toolmark Identification

Author: Ronald Nichols

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2018-07-14

Total Pages: 174

ISBN-13: 0128134623

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Firearm and Tool Mark Identification: The Scientific Reliability of the Forensic Science Discipline examines the scientific reliability of the firearm and tool mark identification discipline (FATM-ID). It answers two primary questions that are necessary to assess the reliability of FATM-ID, including 1) Do different tools produce different tool marks? and 2) Can a trained examiner reliably distinguish among them? Other books published on the topic have assumed these true and have simply discussed what is involved in the discipline. This book brings together the most recent studies, serving as a well-referenced, single resource that shows that FATM-ID is scientifically reliable. Intended primarily for firearm and tool mark examiners, this valuable resource serves as a primary requirement for the training of firearm and tool mark examiners. Finally, it will be a valuable resource for attorneys who are seeking to better understand the scientific reliability of FATM-ID. Written by a foremost expert in FATM-ID, the book provides a complete and scientific examination for anyone involved in firearm and tool mark identification. - Provides a single resource that examines the scientific reliability of firearm and tool mark identification - Covers the role of bias in the examination process and how it can impact the reliability of the final outcome - Written by an expert in the field with over 25 years of firearm and tool mark experience


Firearm and Toolmark Examination and Identification

Firearm and Toolmark Examination and Identification

Author: Max M. Houck

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2015-10-17

Total Pages: 228

ISBN-13: 0128006226

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The Advanced Forensic Science Series grew out of the recommendations from the 2009 NAS Report: "Strengthening Forensic Science: A Path Forward." This volume, Firearm and Toolmark Examination and Identification, will serve as a graduate-level text for those studying and teaching firearm and toolmark examination and identification. It will also prove an excellent reference for forensic practitioner's libraries or use in their casework. Coverage includes a wide variety of tools and toolmarks, analysis of gunshots, ammunition, gunshot wounds and professional issues they may encounter. - Provides basic principles of forensic science and an overview of firearms and toolmarks - Contains information on a wide variety of tools and toolmarks - Covers the analysis and interpretation of gunshots, ammunition and gunshot wounds - Includes a section on professional issues, such as: from crime scene to court, lab reports, and health and safety - Incorporates effective pedagogy, key terms, review questions, discussion question and additional reading suggestions


Forensic Firearm Examination

Forensic Firearm Examination

Author: Chris Monturo

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2019-06-15

Total Pages: 344

ISBN-13: 0128145404

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Forensic Firearm Examination provides the reader with a thorough understanding of theory, application, and process of firearm comparison. It is essential in the field of forensic firearm examination to not only understand the marks that examiners are observing, but more importantly learn where these marks come from during the manufacturing process. This book explores the various machining techniques utilized in the manufacturing process and the resulting marks left by those tools. This information will equip the examiner with the knowledge to answer questions posed by the legal system regarding the uniqueness or potential similarity of marks on firearms imparted to fired bullets and cartridge cases. Intended primarily for firearm and tool mark examiners, this valuable resource serves as a primary requirement for the training of firearm and tool mark examiners. Other forensic science disciplines who rely on pattern matching as a primary determining factor whether or not two objects may share a common source would also find utility in this work. Finally, it will be a valuable resource for attorneys who are seeking to understand better the scientific aspects of firearm identification. Written by a foremost expert in the field, Forensic Firearm Examination explores specific firearm manufacturing techniques and the resulting marks, which has not been covered in any book publication. Chris Monturo has over 23 years of experience as forensic firearm and tool mark examiner. Additionally, he is a distinguished member of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), a past member of the Scientific Working Group for Firearm and Tool Marks (SWGGUN), past member of the Organization of Scientific Area Subcommittees (OSAC) for firearm and tool marks and has instructed courses in machining for the firearm examiner in the United States and Internationally. - Provides reader with a thorough understanding of theory, application, and process of firearm identification - Topics include the manufacturing process of all components that interact with the bullet or case during firing, the nature of manufacturing and potential pitfalls, such as subclass


The Forensic Laboratory Handbook Procedures and Practice

The Forensic Laboratory Handbook Procedures and Practice

Author: Ashraf Mozayani

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-12-14

Total Pages: 604

ISBN-13: 1607618729

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Forensic science has come a long way in the past ten years. It is much more in-depth and much broader in scope, and the information gleaned from any evidence yields so much more information than it had in the past because of incredible advances in analytic instruments and crucial procedures at both the crime scene and in the lab. Many practices have gone digital, a concept not even fathomed ten years ago. And from the first collection of evidence to its lab analysis and interpretation to its final presentation in court, ethics has become an overriding guiding principle. That’s why this new edition of this classic handbook is indispensable. The Forensic Laboratory Handbook Procedures and Practice includes thirteen new chapters written by real-life practitioners who are experts in the field. It covers the tried and true topics of fingerprints, trace evidence, chemistry, biology, explosives and arson, forensic anthropology, forensic pathology, forensic documents, firearms and toolmarks. This text also addresses an array of new topics including accreditation, certification, ethics, and how insects and bugs can assist in determining many facts including a margin of time of death. In the attempt to offer a complete and comprehensive analysis The Forensic Laboratory Handbook Procedures and Practice also includes a chapter discussing the design of a laboratory. In addition, each chapter contains educational requirements needed for the discipline it covers. Complete with questions at the end of each chapter, brief author bios and real crime scene photos, this text has risen to greet the many new challenges and issues that face today’s forensic crime practitioners.


Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics

Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics

Author: Brian J. Heard

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-08-17

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 1119964776

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The updated second edition of Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics includes recent developed analytical techniques and methodologies with a more comprehensive glossary, additional material, and new case studies. With a new chapter on the determination of bullet caliber via x-ray photography, this edition includes revised material on muzzle attachments, proof marks, non-toxic bullets, and gunshot residues. Essential reading for forensic scientists, firearms examiners, defense and prosecution practitioners, the judiciary, and police force, this book is also a helpful reference guide for undergraduate and graduate forensic science students.


Ballistic Imaging

Ballistic Imaging

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2008-10-10

Total Pages: 345

ISBN-13: 0309117240

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Ballistic Imaging assesses the state of computer-based imaging technology in forensic firearms identification. The book evaluates the current law enforcement database of images of crime-related cartridge cases and bullets and recommends ways to improve the usefulness of the technology for suggesting leads in criminal investigations. It also advises against the construction of a national reference database that would include images from test-fires of every newly manufactured or imported firearm in the United States. The book also suggests further research on an alternate method for generating an investigative lead to the location where a gun was first sold: "microstamping," the direct imprinting of unique identifiers on firearm parts or ammunition.


Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2009-07-29

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 0309142393

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Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators.


The Identification of Firearms

The Identification of Firearms

Author: Jack Disbrow Gunther

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2015-05-19

Total Pages: 552

ISBN-13: 1632207818

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The 1930s was a decade that provided impressive breakthroughs in the field of forensic ballistics, or firearms identification. Following the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929, where ballistic expert Calvin Goddard’s testimony brought attention to the relatively new field, several forensic ballistic books were published. Among these were Burrard’s The Identification of Firearms and Forensic Ballistics and Hatcher’s Textbook of Firearms Investigations, Identification, and Evidence. Burrard introduced forensic examination to the British judicial system; Hatcher applied his considerable knowledge of firearms and ammunition to weapons’ design, manufacture, and testing. Gunthers’ The Identification of Firearms combined the approaches of these volumes into a new book that emphasized both the painstaking scientific methodology vital to firearms identification, complete with ballistics photographs, and its practical use by analyses of several legal cases where firearms identification was used. These include the infamous Sacco-Vanzetti case, the first in American legal history where forensic ballistics played a very prominent role in courtroom proceedings. The Gunther brothers utilized their respective legal and military experience to provide a comprehensive reference volume that is noteworthy for those interested in law enforcement or ballistics as well as gun enthusiasts.


Shooting Incident Reconstruction

Shooting Incident Reconstruction

Author: Michael G. Haag

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2011-06-29

Total Pages: 439

ISBN-13: 0123822424

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Shooting Incident Reconstruction, Second Edition, offers a thorough explanation of matters from simple to complex to help the reader understand the factors surrounding ballistics, trajectory, and shooting scenes. Forensic scientists, law enforcement, and crime scene investigators are often tasked with reconstruction of events based on crime scene evidence, along with the subsequent analysis of that evidence. The use and misuse of firearms to perpetrate crimes from theft to murder necessitates numerous invitations to reconstruct shooting incidents. The discharge of firearms and the behavior of projectiles create many forms of physical evidence that, through proper testing and interpretation by a skilled forensic scientist, can establish what did and what did not occur. Written by the world's most well-respected shooting scene and ballistics experts, the book addresses the terminology, science, and factors involved in reconstructing shooting incident events to solve forensic cases. It covers the full range of related topics including: the range from which a firearm was discharged; the sequence of shots in a multiple discharge shooting incident; the position of a firearm at the moment of discharge; and the position of a victim at the moment of impact. The probable flight path of a projectile and the manner in which a firearm was discharged are also discussed. Case studies illustrate real-world application of technical concepts, supported by over 200 full-color diagrams and photographs. This book will be of value to practicing forensic scientists (firearm and toolmark examiners), ballistics experts, crime scene personnel, police departments, forensic consultants (generalists), attorneys and judges, medical examiners (coroners), and forensic pathologists. - Written by the most well-respected shooting scene and ballistics experts in the world - Contains over 200 full-color diagrams and photographs that support and illustrate key concepts - Case studies illustrate real-world application of technical concepts