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Module
In
FORC106

Forensic Ballistics
 
 
 
 
 
College of Criminal Justice Education
BS Criminology
 
 
 
 
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Module No. 11

Investigation of Ballistics Case

1st Semester AY 2020-2021

Hilda B. Espadilla
Assistant Professor II

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Table of Contents

Contents Page

TITLE PAGE ---------------------------------------------------------------------

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS --------------------------------------------------------- 3

INSTRUCTION TO THE USER ----------------------------------------------- 4

CHAPTER 11 – Investigation of Ballistics Case

Lesson 1 – Procedure at the Crime Scene ------------------------

Lesson 2 – Steps to be followed upon arrival at the Crime

Scene -------------------------------------------------------

Lesson 3 – Recording --------------------------------------------------

Lesson 4 - Search for evidence ---------------------------------------

Lesson 5 - Methods of Searching Evidence -----------------------

Lesson 6 - Collection of Evidence ------------------------------------

Lesson 7 - Marking of Evidence --------------------------------------

Lesson 8 - Rules in marking of ballistics evidence ------------

Lesson 9 - Preservation of Ballistics Evidences -----------------

Lesson 10 - Transmittal of Ballistics Evidences -----------------

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INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module would provide you with an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic of ____________________________________.

Reminders for using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what is to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for a
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post them to
social media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue
amidst this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear a mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

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Welcome to Western Philippines University!

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STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!

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Introduction

Firearms and ballistic marching play an important role in criminal

investigations, as “every firearm tells a story”. The information required to depict
their story can be obtained from both the exterior and interior of a firearm, or from
ammunition, and can be used to further investigations and prosecutions which
contribute to intelligence gathering and analysis.
Firearms and their surrounding area at a crime scene can furnish a variety of
evidence. 

CHAPTER 11

INVESTIGATION OF BALLISTICS CASE

LESSON

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the lesson, you can:

1. Understand the definition, parts, and functions of primer;
2. Differentiate and understand the kinds and types of primers; and
3. answer the given exercises in the lesson.

Time Allotment: 2 hours

Discussion:
Investigation of Ballistics Case

PROCEDURE AT THE CRIME SCENE

In investigating criminal cases, the procedure at the scene of the crime plays
a very significant role. In most cases, it is in this phase that the success or failure of
the investigation can be predicted to some extent. That is why it is very important for
any person who is in-charged in responding to the scene of the incident to always
have an open mind and be rational in all decisions and actions being undertaken. It
is very important for any officer on the case to work systematically and should follow
a certain procedure in a logical pattern. The following procedures are mandated by
no less than the PNP Investigative Manual with some modifications:

I. Step to be followed upon arrival at any crime scene:

It must be noted that the first priority upon arrival at the scene of the crime
is to save a life if possible.

At present, when the crime is committed, it becomes a practice for the

officer in charge to call for SOCO assistance to ensure a more systematic approach to
locating, recognizing, packing, preservation, and transmittal of physical evidence.

The following steps must be observed upon arrival at the scene of the crime:

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a. Record the date and time of arrival including the weather

condition (if the information was obtained through a telephone
call, note accurately the time the call was received before
leaving).

b. Look for a living person immediately at the place (witness,

victim, suspect if possible).

c. If an injured person is at the scene, arrange for medical

attention, identification, and removal. The scene should be
disturbed only to the extent necessary to have medical aid
rendered to the injured or have a doctor examine a deceased
victim. Each alteration should be accurately recorded. It’s but
proper to take photographs for recording purposes.

In the case of a person who is conscious yet in danger of impending death,

be sure to ask him at once “who committed the offense?” for a possible dying
declaration. If the person survives, his/her statement will form part of the res gestae.

a. If the offender is at the scene, apprehend him.

b. If the scene is not fully protected, ensure its protection by using

other policemen or other responsible persons to keep witnesses,
suspects, and victim (s) who are present from disturbing the
scene.

b.1. It may be necessary to re-route traffic, prohibit

employees from entering their place of employment, or take
other actions to prevent any disturbance of the scene until a
complete examination is made. The body of a deceased person
(if there is any) should not be covered until thoroughly
processed for evidence, such as the taking of enough
photographs for recording purposes.

b.2. Early action is taken to protect items of possible

evidentiary value that may be destroyed by rain, fire, or other
causes before collection can be affected. For example, a raincoat
or piece of canvas may be used to cover compressions on the
ground that is exposed to rain. Items that will melt should be
shielded from the sun or other heat sources. Objects such) as
food and blood should be covered to protect them from
contamination. Also, photographs should properly be taken for
record purposes.

c. Determine and record the names of the persons at the scene

who may be witnesses, and separate them. These persons should
be removed from the immediate area of the scene as soon as
practicable.

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d. Conduct a preliminary questioning of witnesses, suspects, and

victim(s) to determine in general the extent of the incident of
crime.

e. Note the names of all persons officially present. Those present

within the immediate area of the scene should be only the
minimum numbers needed to assist the investigator. It may be
necessary to request other policemen or officials present to
refrain from examining or disturbing objects or aspects of the
scene.

II. Recording

The investigator begins the process of recording pertinent facts and details
of the investigation the moment he arrives at the scene of the incident (Of course, he
records the time when he was initially notified and who notified him prior to his
arrival). He writes down the identification of the persons involved and what he
initially sees. He also drew a basic sketch of the crime scene and takes the initial
photographs (general, medium, close-up, and extreme Close-up views should be
taken if a photographer is available). This is to secure that an image of the crime
scene is properly recorded before any occurrence would disturb the scene. As a rule;
do not touch, alter or remove anything at the scene of the crime until the evidence
has been processed through notes, sketches, and photographs, with proper
measurements.

III. Search for Evidence

a.) Each crime scene is different, according to the physical nature of the
scene and the crime or offense involved. Consequently, the scene is
processed in accordance with the prevailing physical characteristics of
the scene and with the need to develop essential evidentiary facts
peculiar to the offense. A general survey of the scene is always made,
however, to note the location of obvious traces of action, the probable
entry and exit point used by the offender(s), and the size and shape of
the area involved.

b.) In rooms, buildings, and small outdoor areas, a systematic search of

evidence is initiated. (In the interest of uniformity, it is recommended
that the clockwise movement be used). The investigator examines each
item, encountered on the floor, walls, and ceiling to locate anything that
may be of evidentiary value. You should:

i. Give particular attention to fragile evidence that any be

destroyed or contaminated if it is not collected when
discovered.

ii. If any doubt exists as to the value of an item, treat it as

evidence until proven otherwise.

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iii. Ensure that the item or area where latent fingerprints may
be present is closely examined and that action is taken to
develop the prints.

iv. Carefully protect any impression of evidentiary value in

surfaces conducive to making casts or molds. If possible,
photograph the impression and make a cast or mold.
(Utilizing casting materials).

v. Note stains, spots, and pools of liquid within the scene and
treat them as evidence.

vi. Note any peculiar odor emitting from the scene.

vii. Treat as evidence all other items, such as hairs, fibers, and
earth particles, foreign to the area in which they are found —
for example, matter found under the victim’s fingernails and
others.

viii. Proceed systematically and uninterruptedly to the conclusion

of the processing of the scene. The search for evidence, a
thorough examination of the scene, the rough sketch,
necessary photographs, and investigative notes have all been
completed and the investigator has returned to the point
from which the search began. A further search may be
necessary after the evidence and the statements obtained
have been evaluated.

c.) In large outdoor areas, it is advisable to divide the area into strips about
four (4) feet wide. The policeman may search the strip on his left as he
faces the scene and then the adjoining strips.

d.) It may be advisable to make a search beyond the area considered to be

the immediate scene of the incident or crime. For example, evidence may
indicate that a weapon or tool used in the crime was discarded or hidden
by the offender somewhere within a square-mile area near the scene.

e.) After completing the search of the scene, the investigator examines the
object or person that has actually been touched by the offender. For
example, a ripped safe, a desk drawer that has been pried open, or a
room from which items have been stolen, would be processed after the
remainder of the scene has been examined for traces of the offender. In a
homicide case, the position of the victim should be outlined with chalk or
any other suitable marking tools before anybody is removed from the
scene. If the victim has been pronounced dead by the doctor or is
obviously dead, it is usually advisable to examine the body, the clothing
and the area under the body after the remainder of the scene has been
searched. This is to enable the policeman/investigator to evaluate all
objects of special interest in light of all other evidence found at the scene.

f.) Methods of Crime Scene

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Different methods of search have been derived depending upon the

nature or circumstances surrounding the scene of the crime. The following
are some of the prescribed methods in searching for evidence:

(1) Strip Method

Applicable when the shooting incident took place in a small closed

area. This is done by one, two, or three (3) numbers of searchers standing
side by side from the entrance to the end of that path.

(2) Double Strip Method

Applicable when the shooting incident took place in a bigger area. It

is considered one of the ideal methods of searching in a closed area. In this
method, the rectangular area is traversed first parallel to the baseline and
then parallel to the side.

(3) Wheel Method

The searchers gather at the center and proceed in outward radii and
poke. This procedure should be followed or repeated several times
depending on the size of the area.

(4) Spiral Method

The searchers follow each other in the path of a Spiral beginning

from the outside and then spiraling in toward the center.

(5)Zone Method

If the incident took place in a bigger area, this method can be used.
The area is divided into zones, and in each zone, any one of the first four
methods can be used. This method is very practical in an outdoor shooting
incident or in cases of running gun battles. One researcher may be assigned
a search zone.

IV. Collection of Evidence

After a careful search of physical evidence, the proper collection is very

essential to ensure that the evidentiary value of the physical evidence is protected
and not destroyed either intentionally or accidentally, or negligently. The following
guides are hereby recommended:

1. All articles that are or may at some future date be of significance to the
case must be carefully preserved.
2. Generally, evidence consist of the following:

a. Any evidence or physical object that may tend to show that a

crime was committed (direct) and,

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b. Anything that may connect some particular person with the

crime or crime scene (indirect).

In shooting incidents, the following pieces of physical

evidence are commonly observed:

Lethal weapon or fatal weapon Fired bullet/s

Fired Shell/s

Metal fragments

Broken glass or those allied item or objects Holster

Magazine/s

Cartridge/s

Glove/s

Mask/s

And all other firearms accessories

3. When possible, designate one of the investigating men to collect all

evidence.

a. This makes the introduction of the exhibits in court simpler.

b. One officer will usually keep better records, and remember when, where
and what was collected much better than if several men have handled the
same exhibits.

4. In collecting physical evidence, precautionary measures should be made

in order to maintain the condition of the evidence when it was
discovered. As a general rule, be sure not to “MAC” the physical
evidence.

“M"--(Mutilate) Mutilation or cutting of physical evidence is highly

prohibited for it will greatly affect the nature of the evidence and the source of
such evidence can be questioned.

“A'--(Alter) in no case should an investigator change the very nature

of the evidence either by addition or removal of anything that makes up the
evidence when it was discovered. If the changes have occurred accidentally,
such should be noted in his record including the immediate cause of said
change/s.

“C”--(Contaminate) Evidence is not supposed to be mixed together.

It is better that each piece of evidence is treated with great care. Different

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evidence requires a different method of collection and preservation depending

on their very nature.

5. Photographing and sketching are very necessary before anything at the

scene of the crime is touched, moved, or taken for it will serve as a record
of the evidence and later be proof in showing the origin or source of the
evidence in court.

6. | Note-taking is likewise important in the course of collecting physical

evidence. All pertinent information regarding the conditions, location,
nature of the evidence, and others should be recorded properly for the
investigator cannot just rely on his memory regarding all things that
transpired in the course of the investigation. And at the same time, it will
serve as his guide in preparing his case and will guide him in his
testimonies in court.

7. When a firearm is found at the scene of the incident, the investigator

should take note of the important matters regarding its discovery and
condition. The following precaution should be taken into consideration
in collecting suspected firearm/s:

a. The use of a steel rod, pencil or any other object to be inserted at

the bore of the firearm is not advisable. This method would only
cause three possible problems: (1) Introduction of foreign
materials to the bore of the firearm causing contamination; (2)
Disturbance or removal of some powder fouling inside the bore
that bears a significant role for chemical analysis in determining
whether the gun was recently fired or not and; (3) alteration of
the internal bore construction due to added scratches that would
create confusion in the identification of the said firearm.

b. The use of a handkerchief to pick up a firearm at its

handkerchief or its barrel is also prohibited. Such a procedure
will tend to lose chances of detecting and taking latent prints
which are very important in determining the possible identity of
the perpetrator.

c. The use of a handkerchief or a string straw to be inserted at the

trigger guard of the firearm (make sure the gun is not pointed at
anyone) and putting it on a hard paper envelope is the best
method of collecting suspected firearms at the scene. See to it
that the firearm especially in the case of a revolver should not be
left “full or half-cocked”. In such cases, make use of a crumpled
paper, carton, or handkerchief to be placed immediately in front
of the hammer and press the trigger to avoid accidental firing.

d. Information as to the location of the gun when discovered,

caliber, type and make, serial number and whether it is loaded
or not, and how the loads were arranged should be noted and
tagged to the firearm.

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8. When bullet/s is found at the scene of the crime, the following procedure
should be observed:

a. Bullet inside the body of the victim should not be dug out by the
investigator; only an authorized person such as the medico-legal
officer should do the digging;

b. Bullet/s that penetrates into walls, wood, furniture/s, or tree

should be treated with care not to alter or cut the bullet. In case
it penetrates into a tree, split open the tree and let the bullet
freely fall into your hands. If it would be difficult to do so, cut a
portion of the object where the bullet penetrated and bring it to
the laboratory for proper extraction.

c. Bullet should be picked up and wrapped individually using

cotton, tissue, or paper. Put it in an envelope, pillbox, or any
appropriate container. Seal it properly and mark it with a tag
with necessary information such as caliber, type, shape or form,
place, date of recovery, number, and name of the recovering
officer. Also, include the name of the suspect and the victim if
applicable.

d. Collect as many metal fragments (bullet fragments) as possible.

Metal fragments that possibly fit together ~ can be of
importance to the case.

9. When a fired cartridge case is found at the scene of the crime, the
collection should be made individually just like in a bullet. Information
as to the numbers of shells, caliber, type and make, place, and date of
recovery should be noted.

V. Marking of Evidence

The marking of physical evidence such as fired bullet/s, fired shell/s,

firearm/s and other objects which have some bearing on the case is very important
for the investigator. Time and again he is required to testify regarding the case in
issue. In the presentation of evidence in court, identification and determination of
the source of evidence are very necessary before any evidence can be finally accepted
in court. All efforts of the investigator will be useless in collecting that physical
evidence if they will not be identified and accepted in court. Even if they will be
accepted in court failing to properly identify such evidence will render it of no
evidentiary value at all. And it is public knowledge that cases in Our Courts involving
shooting incidents take quite a number of years on trial before they will finally be
adjudicated and solved. Hence, # will be very impractical for any investigator to just
rely on his mind, It is also important to protect the evidence from possible
replacement. Markings can be one way to protect them from any attempt at
concealing the case. In most cases, the defense counsel even requires the
establishment of the chain of possession or custody of the ballistics exhibits in the
same way as the complete note-taking and markings will be of great use.

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Rules in marking physical Evidence (Ballistics Exhibits)

1. Make use of a hard pointed instrument called a stylus in marking

ballistics evidence such as metallic or plastic cartridge cases, bullets, and
firearms. In the case of a paper cartridge case or shell, it is better to use a
fountain pen for marking.

2. Use distinctive marks such as the initials of the investigator, victim, or

suspects if identified plus the date of recovery. It is more advisable to use
the victim/s initial for easy distinction between evidence of one case to
another. Do not make use of the mark “x” for such a mark is considered
universal and almost everybody is in uses it.

3. Put the mark on the surface of the evidence that would not in any way
alter its very nature.

4. Make a complete record of the mark used, where it is placed, and other
distinctive marks that the evidence possesses.

5. If tags are to be used, make the necessary entry and attach them
ithemsecurely before putting them on the evidence bag or container.
Mark the container or the evidence tag for proper entry.

6. Keep a complete record of the chain of possession of the ballistics

evidence.

(a) (b)

Figure 55. Markings of (a)Fired Bullet and (b)Fired Shell

VI. Preservation of Physical Evidence

Physical evidence has varieties of forms and natures, hence, the way they are
to be preserved also calls for some specification, precaution, and even extreme care.
It is important to note that evidence in ballistics evidence such as a fired bullet, fired
shell, and firearm (most common) preservation is not extremely delicate Compared
to blood stains, fibers, seminal stains, and other evidence that are all of sensitive
nature. Fired bullets and fired shells should be wrapped individually with tissue

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Place them in a pillbox, matchbox, vial, or any suitable container. Make sure that
they are not too big for the evidence. The container should be sealed in such a way
that it cannot be easily opened without breaking the seal. Properly label the sealed
container or box and mark them with initials and the date of recovery.

In the case of a suspected firearm, the proper tag should be made together
with vital information such as the type and make of firearm, the caliber, load in the
cylinder (in case of a revolver) or load in the chamber or in the magazine, date of
recovery, name of the victim and suspect, and serial number.

VII. Transmittal of Physical Evidence

When all evidence has been collected, marked and properly sealed, and
labeled, these should be transmitted to the proper authority. What was usually
practiced in our country is to transmit the evidence to the office and submit the same
to the duty officer or duly designated receiving officer for proper entry into the
record and custody. A request will be made for the transmittal of the evidence to the
laboratory for proper technical examination and will be returned to the office upon
completion of the examination, preparation of exhibit, and laboratory report by the
duly assigned firearm examiner. The officer in charge of the case should be well
aware of the “Chain of Custody” of the evidence. It is very important to have a record
of all persons who have handled the physical evidence. This should include from the
time of its recovery until its final disposition in court. Information as to who received
and accepted the evidence, date and time of received, and number of the physical
evidence involved.

Activity

Learning Check

I. What are the steps to be followed upon arrival at the scene of the crime?
II. Enumerate and illustrate the various methods of search?
III. Briefly explain the procedure in markings and preservation of ballistic
evidence.
lV. Discuss the so-called “Chain of Custody”. What is its importance?
IV. Make a video presentation about Ballistics case procedure at the crime scene
make yourselves into four groups.

Reference:

Manlusoc, A. C. (2016). Forensic Ballistics. Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.

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De Guzman, R.D., & Villacarlos M.B. (2017). Fundamentals of Forensic Firearms

Identification, 2nd Edition. Chapter House Publishing Incorporated.
Duyogan, Z. A. (2011). Forensic Ballistics, Guide for Criminal Lawyers, Police
Officers, Students and Reviewees, First Edition. Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.

Congratulations for completing this module!

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