Investigation Books - Ballistics

Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics : Examining and Interpreting Forensic Evidence by Brian J. Heard (January 3, 1997)

This book explains the complex technical aspects of firearms and ammunition evidence. It addresses such questions as: How far away from the target was the weapon fired? Is there any trace evidence to prove the accused handled a specific firearm? Are there any marks on a particular bullet that can categorically prove that it was fired from a particular weapon? Can an erased serial number be restored? The book also discusses the technical specifications and characteristics of common weapons, offers a clear explanation of specialist terminology, and provides advice on cross examining expert witnesses.

Gunshot Wounds : Practical Aspects of Firearms, Ballistics, and Forensic Techniques (CRC Series in Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigation by Vincent J. M. Di Maio 2nd edition (January 1999)

The authoritative second edition of the definitive reference for the forensic community on gunshot wounds and firearms Written by the nation's foremost authority on gunshot wounds and forensic techniques as they relate to firearm injuries, Gunshot Wounds: Practical Aspects of Firearms, Ballistics, and Forensic Techniques, Second Edition provides critical information on gunshot wounds and the weapons and ammunition used to inflict them. The book describes practical aspects of ballistics, wound ballistics, and the classification of various wounds caused by handguns, bang guns, rifles, and shotguns. The final chapters explain autopsy technique and procedure and laboratory analysis relating to weapons and gunshot evidence.

Current Methods in Forensic Gunshot Residue Analysis by A. J. Schwoeble, David L. Exline (June 27, 2000)

The FBI's Crime in the United States estimated that in 1997, about 70% of all murders, 40% of all robberies, and 20% of all aggravated assaults that were reported to the police were committed with a firearm. According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, in 1996 about 41% of the deaths that resulted from firearms injuries were homicides, 53% were suicides, 3% were unintentional, and 2% were of undetermined intent. Gunshot residue investigation can make the difference between an unknown cause and solving a crime. Current Methods in Forensic Gunshot Residue Analysis completely covers the techniques that are relied upon more and more in investigation and prosecution of such violent crime. It takes the reader from the collection of gunshot residue to giving testimony, and all the steps in-between.