Examination
When fired shotshell components are examined, laboratory policies must be followed, including
- chain of custody,
- laboratory safety,
- trace evidence,
- Coordination of examination sequencing across disciplines to preclude loss of trace evidence.
Preliminary Procedure
The preliminary steps for the examination of fired shotshell components are as follows:
- Mark evidence according to laboratory procedures.
Note: Shot pellets, buckshot, and buffering materials by nature are
impractical to mark directly. Their packaging should be marked and appropriate
notations made in the related worksheet.
- Photograph and document original condition of evidence.
- Determine equipment necessary for examination.
- Laboratory-approved worksheet.
- Reference standards.
- Stereo microscope.
- Evidence marking items.
- Small hand tools, as required.
- Equipment for measuring dimensions of components, such as
- calipers,
- stereo microscope with micrometer and calipers,
- stereo microscope with optical grid,
- stereo microscope and machinist’s steel rule,
- measuring projector,
- comparison microscope with micrometer (air gap method).
Click here to read a sample forensic worksheet and report - Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
(Shotshell Projectiles)
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