Bullet Trajectories at Crime Scenes
Recommended Procedures for Documenting Bullet Trajectory
Crime scenes involving the use of firearms present unique challenges for the crime scene investigator, but using relatively simple techniques it is often possible to reconstruct the events that give some indication as to what occurred during the actual discharge of the weapon. By this I mean it is possible to determine the actual path or trajectory of the bullets, and using this information, determine the location of the shooter.
A number of factors must be taken into account including the position of cartridge cases ejected from automatic and semi-automatic weapons. It is therefore essential that the exact position of spent casings be marked and documented before any other investigative procedures are followed.
Document (Photograph & Sketch) Positions of Spent Cartridge Casings
Photography is the first necessity so it is imperative that the crime scene be afforded absolute security. Until spent cartridges are properly recorde...