At a time when crime scene television shows are all the rage amongst the civilian population, knowledge of firearm forensics is of paramount importance to crime scene analysts, police detectives, and attorneys for both the prosecution and the defense. Cartridges and Firearm Identification brings together a unique, multidisciplined approach to quest
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.
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.
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
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
In recent years, the use of illegally produced firearms has increased exponentially worldwide. These are often cheap, nonstandard firearms that defy known classification and identification criteria. The use of unusual firearms in crimes has frequently led to unpredictable and misleading reconstruction of shooting incidents. In this book, internatio
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 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.
The most comprehensive, authoritative guide to identifying firearms includes: Pistols, revolvers, submachine guns, machine guns, bolt-action and automatic rifles, and shotguns Technical specifications Manufacturers and brand names index Firearm safety information More than 400 photographs
Written by the nation's foremost authority on gunshot wounds and forensic techniques as they relate to firearm injuries, Gunshot Wounds: Practical Aspects of Firearms, Ballistics, and Forensic Techniques, Second Edition provides critical information on gunshot wounds and the weapons and ammunition used to inflict them. The book describes practical aspects of ballistics, wound ballistics, and the classification of various wounds caused by handguns, bang guns, rifles, and shotguns. The final chapters explain autopsy technique and procedure and laboratory analysis relating to weapons and gunshot evidence.
