Firearm and Tool Mark Examination

Catalog description

Laboratory-based examination of forensic evidence; firearms, tool marks, shooting reconstruction and related evidence. FRNSC 419 Firearms and Tool Marks Examination (3) Laboratory-based examination of firearms-related evidence typically recovered from crime scenes. Examination of physical evidence will occur according to established forensic procedures, including the microscopic comparison and performance of chemical enhancement techniques. Students will establish a laboratory notebook to document their findings. Since forensic testing ultimately results in testimony in a courtroom, students will prepare written reports of their findings and learn how to present their findings in a courtroom setting. The course will concentrate on classification and microscopic comparison of impression evidence (bullets, cartridge cases and tool marks), serial number restoration, gunshot residue processing, muzzle-to-target distance estimation and shooting incident reconstruction. The course is relevant to any student majoring in Forensic Science or who has an interest in obtaining employment in local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies and crime lab facilities.