Brian J. Heard

Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics

Examining and Interpreting Forensic Evidence

• Gebundenes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

The updated second edition of Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics includes recent developed analytical techniques and methodologies with a more comprehensive glossary, additional material, and new case studies. With a new chapter on the determination of bullet caliber via x-ray photography, this edition includes revised material on muzzle attachments, proof marks, non-toxic bullets, and gunshot residues. Essential reading for forensic scientists, firearms examiners, defense and prosecution practitioners, the judiciary, and police force, this book is also a helpful reference guide for undergraduate and graduate forensic science students.

Produktdetails

• Developments in Forensic Science
• Verlag: Wiley & Sons
• 2. Aufl.
• Seitenzahl: 416
• Erscheinungstermin: 22. Dezember 2008
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 252mm x 174mm x 32mm
• Gewicht: 862g
• ISBN-13: 9780470694602
• ISBN-10: 0470694602
• Artikelnr.: 25447975

Autorenporträt

Brian Heard began his career as an examiner in firearms and ballistics with the Metropolitan Police Forensics Firearms Laboratory at New Scotland Yard, London, UK. He rose to the level of Deputy Head of the Laboratory before joining the Royal Hong Kong Police as a ballistics officer. He is currently the officer in charge of the Ballistics and Firearms Identification Bureau for the Royal Hong Kong Police. He appears regularly in court as an expert witness in cases involving firearms, ammunition, tools and toolmarks, and has undertaken the research, development and implementation of improved techniques for the collection, examination and interpretation of gunshot residue particles via a scanning electron microscope. He also lectures to police training establishments and related organisations on all aspects of forensic ballistics, forensic firearms and toolmark examinations, gunshot residue analysis and the use of these techniques in criminal investigations.

Inhaltsangabe

Developments in Forensic Science. Acknowledgements. Foreword. 1 Firearms.
1.1 A Brief History of Firearms. 1.2 Weapon Types and Their Operation. 1.3
Proof Marks. Further Reading. 2 Ammunition. 2.1 A Brief History of
Ammunition. 2.2 Ammunition Components. 2.3 Non-toxic Shot. 2.4 A Brief
History of Propellants. 2.5 Priming Compounds and Primers. 2.6 Headstamp
Markings on Ammunition. 3 Ballistics. 3.1 Internal, External and Terminal
Ballistics. 3.2 Internal Ballistics. 3.3 External Ballistics. 3.4 Terminal
Ballistics. 4 Forensic Firearms Examination. 4.1 A Brief History of
Forensic Firearms Identification. 4.2 Rifling Types and Their
Identification. 4.3 Fluted, Annular Ringed, Helical, Perforated and
Oversized Chambers. 4.4 Basic Concepts of Striation Matching. 4.5 Basic
Methodology Used in Comparison Microscopy. 4.6 Mathematical Proof of
Striation Matches. 4.7 Accidental Discharge. 4.8 Identification of Calibre
from the Bullet Entry Hole. 4.9 Ricochet Analysis. 4.10 Bullet Penetration
and Trajectory through Glass. 5 Range of Firing Estimations and Bullet Hole
Examinations. 5.1 Introduction. 5.2 The Use of X-ray Photography. 5.3 Range
of Firing Estimations for Pistols and Rifles. 5.4 Chemical Tests for Range
of Firing Estimations and Bullet Entry/Exit Hole Identification. 5.5 Range
of Firing Estimations for Shotguns. 6 Gunshot Residue Examination. 6.1
Introduction. 6.2 Formation of Discharge Residue. 6.3 Distribution of GSR
Particles. 6.4 Identification of GSR Particles. 6.5 The Use of the SEM for
GSR Detection. 6.6 Sample Collection. 6.7 GSR Retention. 6.8 Conservation
of GSR Particles on the Hands. 6.9 GSR Distribution on the Hands. 6.10
Identification of Type of Ammunition, Country of Origin from GSR Analysis.
6.11 Environmental Contaminants. 6.12 Sources of Elements Commonly Found in
Lead-Based GSRs. 6.13 Extending the Recovery Period for GSR. 7 Gun-Handling
Tests. 7.1 Introduction. 7.2 Methodology for Ferrozine Use. 7.3 Case Notes.
8 Restoration of Erased Numbers. 8.1 Introduction. 8.2 Methods Used for
Removal of Serial Numbers. 8.3 Theory behind Number Restoration. 8.4
Non-recoverable Methods of Number Removal. 8.5 Practice of Number
Restoration. 8.6 Chemical Methods of Restoration. 8.7 Reagents Used for
Various Metals. 8.8 Electrolytic Methods of Restoration. 8.9 Reagents Used.
8.10 Ultrasonic Cavitation for Restoration. 8.11 Magnetic Particle Method
for Restoration. 8.12 Other Methods of Restoration. 8.13 Laser-Etched
Serial Numbers and Bar Codes and Their Restoration. 9 Qualifying the Expert
and Cross-Examination Questions. 9.1 Introduction. 9.2 General Background
Questions. 9.3 Comparison Microscopy. 9.4 GSRs. 9.5 Ferrozine Test. 9.6
Standard of Review: 'Daubert Trilogy'. 10 Classification of Firearm-Related
Death. 10.1 Multiple-Shot Suicides. 11 Glossary. Appendix 1 Important dates
in the History of Firearms from 1247. Appendix 2 GSR results for Chinese
and USSR ammunition. Appendix 3 Primer content of some cartridge-operated
nail guns. Appendix 4 Commercial and General Abbreviations for Bullet
Configurations. Appendix 5 Trade Names. Appendix 6 Gun Marks. Appendix 7
Powder Burn Rate. Appendix 8 Hearing Loss. Appendix 9 General Firearms
Values Conversion Table. Index.

Rezensionen

"This second edition of the Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics is welcomed, particularly given the lack of collected research elsewhere." (The Howard Journal, February 2010)