Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics: Examining and Interpreting Forensic Evidence - Hardcover

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Brian Heard began his career as an examiner in firearms and ballistics with the Metropolitan Police Forensics Firearms Laboratory at New Scotland Yard, London, UK. He rose to the level of Deputy Head of the Laboratory before joining the Royal Hong Kong Police as a ballistics officer. He is currently the officer in charge of the Ballistics and Firearms Identification Bureau for the Royal Hong Kong Police. He appears regularly in court as an expert witness in cases involving firearms, ammunition, tools and toolmarks, and has undertaken the research, development and implementation of improved techniques for the collection, examination and interpretation of gunshot residue particles via a scanning electron microscope. He also lectures to police training establishments and related organisations on all aspects of forensic ballistics, forensic firearms and toolmark examinations, gunshot residue analysis and the use of these techniques in criminal investigations.

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Does the gunshot residue reveal how far from the target a weapon was fired? Is there any trace evidence to prove the accused handled a specific firearm? What is the likely behaviour of a ricocheting bullet? Do the marks on a bullet prove categorically that it was fired from a particular weapon? These are all issues (amongst others) that the fully revised and updated Second Edition of Handbook of Firearms and Ballistics: Examining and Interpreting Forensic Evidence covers in a clear and accessible manner. The book will be essential reading for all forensic scientists specializing in this subject, firearms examiners, defence and prosecution practitioners, the judiciary, police forces and all those involved in this field.

The Second Edition takes into account the most important new analytical techniques and methodologies that have now been implemented in the field. Fully revised and updated throughout, the book now includes a more comprehensive glossary, new case study material –including the Jill Dando murder enquiry – and a new chapter on the determination of bullet calibre via X-ray photography

• Completely revised and updated Second Edition of this successful book.

• Updated material on proof marks, muzzle attachments, non toxic bullets, GSR particles and SEM sampling.

• New case study material including the Jill Dando murder enquiry as a key example for reporting on GSR cases.

• New chapter on the determination of bullet calibre via X-ray photography.

• Now includes an updated and more comprehensive glossary to enhance understanding of the subject.