Forensic Evidence and Criminal Investigations: The Impact of Ballistics Information on the Investigation of Violent Crime in Nine Cities,

William R. King, Bradley A. Campbell, Matthew C. Matusiak, Charles Katz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

We explore the impact of information from ballistics imaging hit reports on the investigation into violent crimes. Ballistics imaging hits link two crimes involving the same firearm by forensically matching tool marks on the fired bullets or cartridge cases. Interview data collected from detectives who received a hit report were used to explore the relationship between the presence of a hit report and outcomes in 65 gun-related violent crime investigations in nine U.S. police agencies. Findings indicate hit reports rarely contribute to identification, arrest, charging, or sentencing of suspects, because of delays in producing hit reports. On average, hit reports were completed 181.4 days after the focal crime. This delay forces investigations to proceed without the benefit of information from ballistics analysis. Additionally, hit reports rarely contained detailed information that was immediately useful to investigators. Instead, hit reports required additional research by the investigator to unlock useful information.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)874-880
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences
Volume62
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2017

Keywords

  • National Integrated Ballistics Information Network
  • ballistic
  • evidence
  • forensic science
  • gun crime
  • homicide
  • investigation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Genetics

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