BALLISTICS

GRIFFIN FORENSIC SCIENCE

COMPUTERIZ
ED IMAGING

NIBIN

National Integrated Ballistics

Information Network
Produces database files from
bullets and cartridge casings
retrieved from crime scenes or
test fires from retrieved firearms.
Multiple crimes

MICROSCO
PIC
METHODS

Ultimate decision MUST be made

with the use of a microscope.
Serial Numbers can be restored
through chemical etching

GUNPOWD
ER
RESIDUE

When a firearm is discharged,

unburned and partially burned
particles of gunpowder in addition
to smoke are propelled out of the
barrel along with the bullet toward
the target.
The distribution of gunpowder
particles and other discharge
residues around a bullet hole allow
an assessment of the distance
from which a handgun or rifle was
fired.

GRIESS
TEST

Chemical test color that can

detect nitrite ions.
Nitrites react with sulfanilic acid
to eventually form a red color.

 Barium and
antimony are
also found in
GSR.

BULLET
TRAJECTO
RY

COLLECTIO
N

Carefully collect gun.

Must prevent accidental
discharge may have to
unload.
Wrap bullets in tissue
paper place in pill box or
envelope.
All parts of the gun are
recovered and recorded.
Marked for identification.
Initials of investigator must
be etched into all
evidence.
Chain of Custody must be
followed.