Firearms: Qualification of a Forensic Expert

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Qualifications
Strengths
Weakness
Case cited
Future implications
References

Introduction

A Firearm is a weapon that expels a projectile at high velocity due to rapid combustion of propellants. Often, firearms are associated with crime scenes despite their usefulness in defense. In this regard, forensic experts are mandated with the task of analyzing projectiles generated from gunshots, and their impact on hitting the target (Carper, 2000). This knowledge is paramount in forensic science as it helps investigators of crime to establish the type of weapon and ammunition used in a crime scene. Moreover, the location, angle and distance are determined by analyzing firearms’ evidence. In Canada, with the assistance of forensic experts, several firearms collected from crime scenes have been successfully linked to the suspects (Anderson, 2009).

Firearms studies in forensic sciences are normally subdivided into six groups (Carper, 2000).These include internal firearms analysis, external firearms analysis, target firearms analysis, powder analysis and bullet residues analysis. In internal firearms analysis, bullets energy varies depending on the firearm. For example, a bullet fired from a handgun will have less energy compared to a bullet fired from a rifle. In this regard, more gunpowder is used in the manufacture of rifle cartridges compared to handgun cartridges. This is because different bullet chambers are designed to withstand varying pressures. Consequently, bigger guns accommodate higher pressures compared to smaller guns that are designed to accommodate less coil pressure. With the firing of a bullet, the pressure reduces and expansion of the gas in the barrel occurs. It reaches a point where pressure lessens and acceleration increases with increase in the length of the barrel.

External firearms analysis involves the study of the bullet’s projectile after leaving the barrel. The external path is calculated using several formulas, the easiest of which is kinetic energy (Wilkinson, 1998). From the kinetic energy formulae, the energy of the bullet can be calculated by multiplying its mass with the square of the bullet’s velocity, and thereafter dividing the result by two. This procedure enables the calculation of the bullet’s energy as it leaves the muzzle. Since the drag is a factor, its value has to be calculated too. These operations are of great importance to forensic experts, as they are crucial in firearms related crimes to provide clues hence enhancing swift investigations.

For terminal analysis, yaw determines the extent of the injury. A petite, high velocity bullet, increases drag and releases more kinetic energy to its target. For more kinetic energy, a broader and heavier bullet is employed despite its ability of releasing little kinetic energy on meeting the target. Bullets with low velocity can be used effectively by redesigning them to release all their kinetic energy on the target. Through this approach, significant tissue damage is achieved for short guns.

Bullets damage tissues in three ways. First, a bullet lacerates by crushing tissues and bones. Bullets travelling with low velocity cause this form of damage. Subsequently, through cavitations, tissues are broadly wounded. This damage occurs because of the intense forward movement of the air upon the impact. Lastly, through shockwaves, the target is compressed as the bullet forges ahead. These waves are short lived and cause little destruction at low velocities. However, at higher velocities, more destruction is achieved. This impact on humans normally induces a concussive effect leading to severe neurological symptoms.

Several firearms have been reported in crime scenes (Belton, 1992). When investigating on handguns, one should consider some basic details in these scenes. The investigator should be fully aware that handguns are easily concealed and accurately used at short distances. This is the main reason why most criminals prefer short guns in crowded places. Such basic details provide insight into a crime investigation. Ballistics wounding for the case of shotguns depends on the used pellet’s type. Equally, the spread of the pellets should be given significant attention as they provide a preview on the used gun’s barrel. For example, the pellets from a short-barreled shotgun spread over a wide area. Forensic experts try to analyze these basic details to determine the bullet and firearm type used at a crime scene.

Qualifications

In Canada, for one to qualify as a forensic firearms expert, he or she must meet the required conditions (Blau, 2009). Initially, one is required to have a degree in science or criminology. The course normally lasts for 4 years. In addition, one should possess a post-secondary forensic science training, which is normally done after obtaining a diploma or first-degree course. Consequently, one should acquire an appropriate certification from forensic societies and must have worked as an understudy after graduation. However, police officers and firearms experts are given special considerations and undergo some basic courses without having to undertake the normal degree program. In addition, ballistic experts must have wide background knowledge on ammunition, crime scene search, firearms recognition, law, microscopy, and the ability to locate and train crime witnesses. The background knowledge is essential before one is allowed to work as a ballistic expert (Blau, 2009). In addition, knowledge on clerical and administration service, philosophy, theology, and counseling, will boost one’s skills in the forensic field as successful investigations require varied solutions and approaches. The background skills required in firearms related careers include collecting and organizing information, identifying related challenges, critical thinking, wise decision making and testing operations (Blau, 2009). Besides, an expert in this field is supposed to be articulate in both spoken and written language skills.

In the last decade, Canada has experience dramatic reforms in the forensic field. Authorities came up with policies and strategies that faced out incompetent experts (Anderson, 2009). These reforms conform to the countries’ forensic principles and international standards. Firearm experts are expected to apply their knowledge and skills in different crime related incidences. They are required to analyze different marks left on the firearms and thereafter work with the law enforcers in identifying the criminals. Like fingerprints, two firearms of the same make and model will produce varied marks on fired bullets and cartridges cases. By exploiting this property, forensic experts can link bullets and shell casings at the crime scene to the perpetrators of the crime. The unique markings, collected at the crime scene are screened and their images stored in the database for detailed analysis.

Strengths

Forensic firearms analysis has proved to be a vital art in several investigations departments. Through this art, several crimes have been successfully investigated and solved. In addition, events at the crime scene have been simulated using this art. In the late 1990s, Canada adopted the art of using an automated firearms imaging and comparison kit (Gardner, 2008). Since then, it has been used to analyze firearms related data. The equipment makes use of crime images collected by the experts. The images of bullets and shell casings collected at the crime scene are initially fed into in the equipment’s database. The machine then processes the images and when a match is found the examiner is can identify the make and model of the gun used in the crime. Ballistic images collected from recovered guns can similarly be used to determine if the firearm has ever been used in other crimes. Forensic scientists have used this system effectively in resolving several firearms related crimes as compared to the past. In my opinion, a lot needs to be done to improve the functionality of these machines considering that they are currently running on the old system’s technology despite the rapid advancement in crime technology. Thus, more research is necessary to bridge this ever-increasing gap.

In Ontario, ammunition serialization has greatly enhanced the investigation of various gun related crimes ((Belton, 1992). In this regard, the law requires manufacturers to stamp unique minute code on all the bullets. When one purchases the bullets, an authorized dealer records the serial number and the purchaser’s information. Subsequently, when a cartridge casket is collected from a crime scene it would be easily linked to the purchaser. As a result, forensic scientists have reported a drop in the use of guns to commit crimes. The drop was realized since many people are afraid of committing crimes using guns as they can be easily traced.

In the early 90s, the Canadian Integrated Firearms Identification Network was formed to analyze and link several firearm bullets and cartridges cases (Belton, 1992). This institution employs a central database that generates and guides the law enforcers in their duties. The database enables the analysis of bullets and cartridges throughout Canada by providing the necessary details. A forensic examiner then examines the exhibit to determine the matches. These instruments are located in laboratories in Toronto, Ottawa, Regina and Montreal (Saunders, 1987).

Forensic experts are also required to remodel the crime scene and perform chemical analysis to find out when gun was used. In this regard, forensic experts can use the acquaintance of trajectory physics to determine the distance and angle of the gunshot, subsequently locating the shooter’s location (Blau, 2009). However, there are major challenges when crimes scenes are situated at busy premises. Here, forensic experts are often forced to rush through their data hence limiting the amount of evidence needed in the court of law. Moreover, at these busy premises, curious civilians at crime scenes can easily tamper with evidence of the crime. Normally, in such situations, first hand or practical experience guarantees evidence integrity in the court of law.

Through forensic science, investigators have presented their investigations before the jury in a convincing way (Anderson, 2009). Forensic results have provided Jurors and judges with more factual data as compared to the information relayed by eyewitness. Consequently, forensics’ policies and its legal standards have considerably benefited the community (Anderson, 2009). These standards have led to the successful investigation of various crimes committed in the society and with the help of other law enforcers the suspects apprehended and judged. Moreover, those wrongfully convicted have received justice when crime scenes investigations fail to link them to the alleged crime.

Weakness

However, firearms can equally be challenged in the court of law. This relies on the fact that the marks left on the firearms must not only be unique, but must prove to be reproducible. Therefore, the full assessment of these firearms requires cautious attention to reveal the hidden evidence. Although guns leave behind substantial evidence, there is no scientifically proven method in forensic science that is able to point out the specific gun used in the production of evidence. Attorneys in Canada have often used this argument to build defenses in several instances. In some cases, wrongful convictions have resulted due to errors committed by forensic experts. These errors usually occur during laboratory analysis. In Canada, the errors have contributed to 63% of all wrongful convictions (Anderson, 2009). In my opinion, this high percentage of wrongful convictions shows how our forensic experts are not competent enough as perceived by the public. Another weakness in forensic science is the false and misleading evidence provided by the forensic experts. This is due the fact that most forensic procedures are executed without consulting other relevant scientific communities and research laboratories (Gardner, 2008). If such flaws are revealed to the public, the forensic science image will be greatly tainted. Consequently, there are some flawed findings presented in the court of law by some forensic experts. Such an occurrence is evident when the evidence presented has been exaggerated or flawed to benefit some individuals. For instance, the JKF investigations in the US showed that the finding reports were seriously flawed (Genge, 2002). The forensic experts in this case were reluctant to provide the necessary assistance. As a result, these weaknesses have impacted negatively on the whole forensic field despite the fact that the mistakes are made by a few rogue forensics who do not adhere to the required procedures.

However, there are several setbacks undermining the process of firearms investigation (Anderson, 2009). First, the creation of several law schools has led to the creation of innocence groups. During the process of their investigations, these law experts compromise on forensic evidence as they try to disapprove the findings. The media has also undermined the image of forensics. Due to the media’s limited understanding on this field, they end up publishing non-investigated findings, which misinform the public.

Finally, among these setbacks, is the role that the TV plays. To common people most forensic knowledge originates from TV’S shows. This perception has also affected the jurors to think that, the lab results are more complicated for forensic experts. In my opinion, most of the TV shows have encouraged unrealistic and biased anticipations in firearms related sciences. To most viewers, forensic firearms analysis is all about counting the bullets holes and cartridges at the crime scene. This is a biased view as forensic investigations are technical and structured contrary to their opinions. All these factors provide negative opinions on forensic sciences and may eventually weaken several convictions and erode the public sector’s confidence in law enforcement departments.

Forensic personnel have also undermined the success in this field. For instance, some of the forensic laboratory’s employees are not scientist in that they only possess a diploma the compulsory requisite for employment (Anderson, 2009). In some cases, the forensic personnel are unqualified in that during the employment process they presented forged academic credentials (Anderson, 2009). Such technicians and investigators’ reports may illustrate why our current court system still questions the validity of forensic investigations. Similarly, most of the forensic labs are associated with police departments. These police units main concern is the clearance of unsolved cases and securing conviction. In this regard, the police may reveal their suspicious views about the suspects to laboratory technicians before the analysis of the evidence. As a result, the laboratory personnel’s analysis of the evidence is prejudiced. Furthermore, some forensic experts, for personal reasons, manipulate their laboratory results (Anderson, 2009). Moreover, some errors occur because some forensic laboratories are understaffed. In this regard, workers are presented with excessive workload compromising their efficiency. Besides, some laboratory workers do not follow the procedures stated in the lab protocols. Such incidences significantly undermine the effectiveness of forensic science.

Case cited

In the U.S, firearm tests on one of the rifles found in a car suspected to have been involved in shooting incidences, linked the weapon to 3 out of the 14 shootings witnessed previously in the year 2002 ( Ferguson, 2006 ). In this case, forensic experts, through their analysis, significantly assisted law enforcers in apprehending the suspect. After several forensic examinations, the forensic experts linked the incident to more suspects. In my opinion, the law enforcers delayed in arresting the suspects despite the numerous forensic evidences provided by the investigators linking the suspects to the murders. In addition, the forensic investigators in this case did a spectacular job since they proved beyond doubt in the court of law that the suspects were guilty as charged. However, there were three incidences where the lack of enough evidence compromised the trials of some of the crimes.

Future implications

For the last decade, there have been numerous legal challenges encountered by forensic experts. These challenges were enhance by the usual practice of expecting firearms analysis to be done like a DNA analysis (Kipper, 2010). Nonetheless, the future seems promising, as these challenges would be tackled effectively. In the past, there are a few instances where court rulings contradicted the firearms experts’ evidences by questioning their integrity. In such a case, the prosecutor lacked the suitable knowledge in firearms. In my opinion, to avoid such incidence in the future, prosecutors knowledgeable in forensic sciences should be allowed to preside over firearms related crimes. Currently, numerous forensic laboratories in Canada have become accredited to ISO standards (Kipper, 2010). These laboratories will enhance proper investigations in DNA and fingerprints forensics hence increasing the handling capacity of crimes. This will also lead to the reduction of time spent on matching and linking forensic evidence. Similarly, through these laboratories, research will be improved across the forensic community (Kipper, 2010). Furthermore, there will be ample time for the examiners to scrutinize the results before their use in trial. According to CIBIN, several police officers across Canada are in possession of firearms that have not been entered into their database systems (Kipper, 2010). For future safety, police officers are encouraged to contact the nearest forensic lab to analyze their bullets and cartridges. This will benefit to all in the long run since these firearms may end up in the wrong hands.

With the continuous development in computer assisted firearms identification, future forensics will benefit from the reduction of the time spent in identity matching (Blum, 2010). If appropriately used, it will turn the current CBIN into a valuable investigative organization. However, an appropriate scientific approach is required to improve the reliability of this database. Currently, these technologies are quite costly. Designers should major on manufacturing cost effective technologies to enhance forensics in the future. Similarly, the designers should prioritize on instruments’ reliability, precision and safety in their design process. The current database systems are design to tackle traditional task related to firearms. However, modern technologies have tilted several operational ways of using guns hence the need for an updated database (Kipper, 2010). With more funded research, better-précised instruments will be developed in the firearms field to facilitate accurate investigations. Moreover, as many students graduate in forensic sciences, more workforces will be available hence increasing and facilitating effective investigation. This workforce will bring the innovation needed in forensic science as they are more technologically informed compared to the current workforce.

References

Anderson, D., & Anderson, B. (2009). Manufacturing guilt: wrongful convictions in Canada (2nd ed.). Black Point, N.S.: Fernwood.

Belton, J. A. (1992). Cooey firearms made in Canada, 1919-1979: the H.W. Cooey Machine & Arms Co., Winchester-Western (Canada) Ltd., Winchester-Cooey. Alexandria Bay, N.Y.: Museum Restoration Service.

Blau, S., & Ubelaker, D. H. (2009). Handbook of forensic anthropology and archaeology. Walnut Creek, Calif.: Left Coast Press.

Blum, D. (2010). The poisoner’s handbook: murder and the birth of forensic medicine in Jazz Age New York. New York: Penguin Press.

Carper, K. L. (2000). Forensic engineering (2nd ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Ferguson, A. (2006). The Christopher killer: a forensic mystery. New York: Viking/Sleuth.

Gardner, R. (2008). Forensic science projects with a crime lab you can build. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow.

Genge, N. (2002). The forensic casebook: the science of crime scene investigation. New York: Ballantine Books.

Kipper, G., & Liles, S. (2010). Virtualization And Forensics a Digital Forensic Investigator’S Guide To Virtual Environments.. New York, N.Y.: Elsevier Science.

Saunders, G. (1987). History of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police LaboratoSystem.

The RCMP Labs , 49(11). Web.

Wilkinson, F. (1998). Firearms. London: Camden House Books.

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