"Muzzle to target distance can be an important aspect in criminal investigations. For most distance determination opinions to be of value to an investigation, the range must be stated such that it gives meaningful information and the resulting bracket of muzzle to target distance must also be defended during courtroom testimony. Current measurement tools lead to subjective opinions by examiners. With objective measurements, examiners can provide improved investigative conclusions that may be defended in court with quantifiable data. Due to the rapid advancement in software technology in recent years, the ability exists to analyze targets with more accurate measurements. Currently, test targets are measured by approximate methods which utilize a high degree of subjectivity. This study examined the application of Image J, image analyzing software, for use in determining muzzle to target distance. This research examined objective data to include particulate density and Gunshot residue dispersion and carried out a statistical replicate study to determine the number of targets needed at a given distance for each gun and ammunition combination. One pistol, revolver, rifle and shotgun were selected for this study. Test targets were shot five times at distances of: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 inches for the pistol, revolver and rifle, and at distances of: 4, 8, 12 and 16 feet for the shotgun. Visual and chemical examinations were performed on test targets using standard protocol procedures, published through the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Distance Determination Training Module (2011). The targets were digitally photographed through each step and analyzed using the aforementioned protocol and Image J, image analyzing software. Comparisons were made between the National Institute of Justice model and Image J. Data were obtained and reported using the image analyzing software for particulate count and GSR dispersion."--Abstract.

Determining the muzzle to target distance of a firearm discharge is an integral part in crime scene reconstruction. Shooter distance is most often estimated using the Modified Griess test, which can be used to visualize gunshot residue (GSR) patterns around bullet holes. However, this test has a 3- to 5-feet range limit as the plume of GSR particles can only travel a certain distance past the muzzle. The purpose in this study was to develop a new method that overcomes this range limitation by analyzing the physical damage characteristics of a bullet hole. Test fires were conducted with a .22 caliber rifle over a range of muzzle to target distances and different bullet velocities. The goal of the study was to simulate an indoor shooting on plywood and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) panels. The results show that as muzzle to target distance increases, bullet hole depth decreases. In addition, specific damage patterns were observed on the back of the substrates relating to shooter distance and bullet velocity. A predictions model was developed using this data that allowed shooter distance to be estimated based on bullet hole depth. Conclusions were made that not only does this new method cover the limitations of the Modified Griess test, but it also works in tandem with other ballistics analysis methods. With some finetuning, this method may be of use to forensic scientists in casework.

The Advanced Forensic Science Series grew out of the recommendations from the 2009 NAS Report: "Strengthening Forensic Science: A Path Forward." This volume, Firearm and Toolmark Examination and Identification, will serve as a graduate-level text for those studying and teaching firearm and toolmark examination and identification. It will also prove an excellent reference for forensic practitioner's libraries or use in their casework. Coverage includes a wide variety of tools and toolmarks, analysis of gunshots, ammunition, gunshot wounds and professional issues they may encounter. - Provides basic principles of forensic science and an overview of firearms and toolmarks - Contains information on a wide variety of tools and toolmarks - Covers the analysis and interpretation of gunshots, ammunition and gunshot wounds - Includes a section on professional issues, such as: from crime scene to court, lab reports, and health and safety - Incorporates effective pedagogy, key terms, review questions, discussion question and additional reading suggestions

Engineering Applications in Livestock Production covers the recent advancements and technological developments in the field of livestock production engineering in great detail. The major advances covered in this book include the use of artificial intelligence, image processing, Internet of Things, novel animal product processing technologies, farm automation systems, sensor technology, bioengineering practices and even engineered housing systems among others. - The book includes applications of emerging sensor based and intelligent techniques/systems in the field of livestock production and management - The book will have separate chapters dedicated to innovative approaches in the livestock sector such as artificial intelligence, micro and nano sensors, IoT, image processing and farm automation - Specialists contribution of chapters provide comprehensive details while assisting the understanding of the concepts

A determination of muzzle-to-target distance is often required in criminal cases involving shooting. The conventional method using Walker's test [1] or visual examination of test firings may not be sufficiently accurate under certain circumstances. In other circumstances the maximum distance to which such tests are effective may not be adequate. In such cases the neutron activation analysis (NAA) method [2], which is effective to greater distances, can be used. However, the drawbacks of this method could be the expense and the possible long analysis time. The NAA method of firing distance determination is based on the concentration pattern of antimony around bullet holes. This method is not effective in analyzing for lead, which is present around bullet holes.

Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences is a comprehensive reference source of current knowledge made available in the field of forensic science. Covers the core theories, methods and techniques employed by forensic scientists -- and their application in forensic analysis.

Shooting Incident Reconstruction, Second Edition, offers a thorough explanation of matters from simple to complex to help the reader understand the factors surrounding ballistics, trajectory, and shooting scenes. Forensic scientists, law enforcement, and crime scene investigators are often tasked with reconstruction of events based on crime scene evidence, along with the subsequent analysis of that evidence. The use and misuse of firearms to perpetrate crimes from theft to murder necessitates numerous invitations to reconstruct shooting incidents. The discharge of firearms and the behavior of projectiles create many forms of physical evidence that, through proper testing and interpretation by a skilled forensic scientist, can establish what did and what did not occur. Written by the world's most well-respected shooting scene and ballistics experts, the book addresses the terminology, science, and factors involved in reconstructing shooting incident events to solve forensic cases. It covers the full range of related topics including: the range from which a firearm was discharged; the sequence of shots in a multiple discharge shooting incident; the position of a firearm at the moment of discharge; and the position of a victim at the moment of impact. The probable flight path of a projectile and the manner in which a firearm was discharged are also discussed. Case studies illustrate real-world application of technical concepts, supported by over 200 full-color diagrams and photographs. This book will be of value to practicing forensic scientists (firearm and toolmark examiners), ballistics experts, crime scene personnel, police departments, forensic consultants (generalists), attorneys and judges, medical examiners (coroners), and forensic pathologists. - Written by the most well-respected shooting scene and ballistics experts in the world - Contains over 200 full-color diagrams and photographs that support and illustrate key concepts - Case studies illustrate real-world application of technical concepts

With the improvements in collection methods and analytical tools that allow more thorough analyses, gunshot residue examination has made a dramatic impact as an area of trace evidence essential to the investigation and prosecution of violent crime. Current Methods in Forensic Gunshot Residue Analysis deals with major areas of gunshot residue analysis, including current and future methods of analysis, collection techniques, interpretation of evidence, expert testimony and report writing. This text is a necessity for forensic scientists conducting this type of analysis and anyone involved in the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes involving firearms.