Forensic Scientists in the Firearms unit perform a variety of firearm and toolmark related analysis and comparisons. A staff of 6 firearms examiners and a supervisor support firearm and toolmark examinations in the Sheriff-Coroner Department’s laboratory. This unit also assists in shooting reconstruction, interpretation and providing testimony regarding the analysis of evidence examined. Typical analyses include:

• Firearms function tests

• Determining the type(s) of firearm used to shoot recovered bullets and cartridge cases

• Comparison of bullets and cartridge cases to recovered firearms

• Comparison of evidence from different crime scenes to look for a common gun

• Determination of shooting distance

• Restoration of obliterated serial numbers

• Operation of the NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistics Information Network) database

• Comparison of tools to marks left behind at crime scenes

Firearms and Toolmarks Informational Brochure (Adobe Acrobat format)