Distance Determination Gunshot residue may not be visible on the evidentiary item and should be submitted to the lab to determine suitability. Shooting Reconstruction Requests for service are initiated through approval by the Crime Lab Director or designee. In order to perform this examination, the analyst must have access to the original crime scene. Shooting reconstruction requires the direct observation of ejected cartridge casings, projectile impact, and exact measurements of scene conditions etc. and must be performed before firearms related evidence is collected from scene. Reconstructions will not be performed from crime scene photos. Evidence for Tool mark Examination Submit photograph of the tool mark showing its location in the scene. Make note of how the tool may have been used in order to make the mark. Remove the tool mark from the scene, mark and package it properly. If the tool mark cannot be removed from the scene, make a cast of the tool mark using a silicone based casting material. Collection and Packaging: Firearms MUST be unloaded; very rare exceptions exist (e.g. rusted or damaged firearms) The firearm should be secured with a zip-tie through the action. The weapon conditions should be noted: cocked/uncocked, safety on/off, sequence of cartridges in the cylinder, etc). For revolvers, the outside of the chamber under the firing pin should be marked as the before opening and the position/condition of cartridges noted. “1” position Metal Evidence Recovered from Water/Liquid Submit immediately in the water in which it was located. Ensure that the item of evidence is completely submerged, slowing the oxidation process and slowing evidence destruction. Cartridges and Bullets Package spent cartridge cases and bullets so that the tool marks are protected. For example, package each item separately before placing the items in the submission envelope. Tools Such that the area which had to have been used to make the tool mark is protected from further contact with other objects. For example, the handle of the screwdriver need not be protected but the bladed end must be
Distance Determination Gunshot residue may not be visible on the evidentiary item and should be submitted to the lab to determine suitability. Shooting Reconstruction Requests for service are initiated through approval by the Crime Lab Director or designee. In order to perform this examination, the analyst must have access to the original crime scene. Shooting reconstruction requires the direct observation of ejected cartridge casings, projectile impact, and exact measurements of scene conditions etc. and must be performed before firearms related evidence is collected from scene. Reconstructions will not be performed from crime scene photos. Evidence for Tool mark Examination Submit photograph of the tool mark showing its location in the scene. Make note of how the tool may have been used in order to make the mark. Remove the tool mark from the scene, mark and package it properly. If the tool mark cannot be removed from the scene, make a cast of the tool mark using a silicone based casting material. Collection and Packaging: Firearms MUST be unloaded; very rare exceptions exist (e.g. rusted or damaged firearms) The firearm should be secured with a zip-tie through the action. The weapon conditions should be noted: cocked/uncocked, safety on/off, sequence of cartridges in the cylinder, etc). For revolvers, the outside of the chamber under the firing pin should be marked as the “1” position before opening and the position/condition of cartridges noted. Metal Evidence Recovered from Water/Liquid Submit immediately in the water in which it was located. Ensure that the item of evidence is completely submerged, slowing the oxidation process and slowing evidence destruction. Cartridges and Bullets Package spent cartridge cases and bullets so that the tool marks are protected. For example, package each item separately before placing the items in the submission envelope. Tools Such that the area which had to have been used to make the tool mark is protected from further contact with other objects. For example, the handle of the screwdriver need not be protected but the bladed end must be