- 01: Introduction
- 02: History of Firearms Identification
- 03: Powder, Ammunition, and Firearm Development
- 04: Manufacture of Firearms
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
Safety
Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > Safety
The importance of safety prior to the arrival of firearm/toolmark evidence at the laboratory is substantial. The on-site protocols used by investigators or crime scene technicians for the collection, packaging, and preservation of evidence items must address the potential dangers. These protocols must be followed whether the intention is to ship or hand-carry the evidence to the laboratory.
Although the overall administration of a crime scene search is beyond the scope of this module, it does address the expectations an examiner should have for the collection of firearm/toolmark evidence. It also addresses technical and administrative requirements related to evidence transported from the scene to the laboratory.
Prior to receiving evidence in the laboratory, a firearm/toolmark examiner must know:
- Where the evidence came from
- Who delivered or shipped the evidence to the laboratory
- How the evidence was collected, marked, and packaged
Firearm/toolmark evidence is typically collected by investigators or crime scene technicians from:
- Crime scenes
- Autopsies
- Premises, vehicles, or persons
