If during the investigation, steps are taken to ensure ‘ traceability and continuity’ of the evidence for the duration of the investigation from crime scene to courtroom, it is possible to establish its connection to an alleged crime (UNODC, 2009). Firearms chain of custodyĮnsuring the chronological and careful documentation of evidence relating to a crime scene, or alleged crime, is vital this is known as the ‘ chain-of-custody’. Yet, seized and recovered firearm-related items may themselves provide critical evidence of a broad range of additional crimes, such as firearms trafficking and illicit manufacturing. Too often, the value of evidence that firearms, ballistics and ammunition provide is overlooked in criminal investigations enforcement operations stop at the point of seizure or recovery. For example, a ballistic comparison can confirm that a firearm was used in a murder case but also in other crimes committed in another country, which is already an indicator of the routing of that firearm. Sometimes, one piece of evidence can help in both investigations. Indicate evidence of illicit manufacturing.įirearms-related evidence can be used both in relation to the main crime but can also lead to the building of strong parallel criminal cases, such as international firearms trafficking.Indicate evidence of an illicit trafficking network or.Enable the identification of persons of interest.Confirm/eliminate the weapon as the source of shots fired during the commission of a crime.Proper examination and tracing (see below) of these items may: A firearm/firearm parts or components/ammunition has been unlawfully manufactured, converted, or test fired.Ī ‘ crime gun’ is a firearm that is possessed unlawfully and/or has been used in the commission of a crime.A firearm/firearm parts or components/ammunition/ammunition components believed to have been used in or linked to a crime is discovered and.A firearm has been criminally discharged.A victim has sustained a firearms-related injury.These crime scenes can include, but are not limited to any place where: 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.įirearms and their surrounding area at a crime scene can furnish a variety of evidence. Firearms and ballistic marching play an important role in criminal investigations, as “ every firearm tells a story”.