They also analyze cartridges and cases to search for signs of firing pin impression, ejector marks, extractor marks, and other toolmarks. In addition, a ballistics expert may be retained to “identify the characteristics of firearms, from the bullets fired to calibers and rifling patterns. Further, any residue left on the ammunition can “be studied and compared to residue on the hand of a suspect, the gun that was fired, or any object that was close by when the firearm was used,” all of which is information that helps decipher the identity of the shooter. This is possible because each firearm produces different imprints on the ammunition, resulting in each shell casing or bullet having its own unique “fingerprint.” The imprints or amount of damage a piece of ammunition has sustained can then help determine where the shooter was standing when they used the firearm and what angle the firearm was fired from. This process involves studying the marks that are left on ammunition in order to conclude what firearm it came from. A ballistics expert may study shell casings, bullet fragments, clips, and firearms at the scene of a crime and in laboratory testing.” If a crime scene involves ammunition, a ballistics expert will engage in ballistics fingerprinting. Testifying in court by sharing observations and conclusions. Rooted in physics, ballistics experts will be used to determine everything from “trajectory to probable distance and angle when studying firearms and ammunition. A firearms and ballistics expert witness is a person with specialized knowledge and experience in firearms and ammunition.

Giving lectures on forensic firearms identification to police and other institutions. The study of ballistics is the study of motion, dynamics, angular movement, and effects of projectile units such as bullets, bombs, and missiles. Giving expert opinions before Kenyan courts of law and court martial.

Ballistics expert