- 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
Muzzle-to-Target Distance Determination
Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > Collection, Preservation, and Documentation > Best Practices: Firearms - Related Evidence > Muzzle-to-Target Distance Determination
Objects with bullet holes present such as the victim's clothing, bedding, upholstery, sections of drywall, rugs, curtains, etc. should be collected, marked, and packaged for microscopic and chemical testing. Residue-bearing evidence items should be packaged individually. Unused paper bags or wrapping paper can be used for smaller items. Plastic packaging is not recommended.
Direct marking of clothing items should be inconspicuous, such as on the inside of the waistband of trousers or inside the rear shirt collar or shirttail. Avoid marking in any area where gunshot residues may be found.
Larger containers are required for large items, such as car seats, upholstered chairs, rugs, sections of drywall, curtains, bedding, etc. Marking requirements remain the same; any area where gunshot residue is suspected should be protected.
Special care should be taken to air dry (out of direct sunlight) any blood-soaked items. This is done to minimize decomposition and exposure to ultraviolet light which can degrade DNA.
