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Orange County Sheriff's Department / Overview
http://ocsd.org/divisions/forensic_science/overview

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FIREARMS AND TOOLMARKS

Forensic Scientists in the Firearms unit perform a variety of firearm and toolmark related analysis and comparisons. This unit also assists in shooting reconstruction, interpretation and providing testimony regarding the analysis of evidence examined. Typical analyses include:



Firearms
  • 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