Bullet Trajectories at Crime Scenes - Where Was the Shooter Standing?

Recommended Procedures for Documenting Bullet Trajectory

Crime scenes involving the use of firearms present unique challenges for the crime scene investigator, but using relatively simple techniques it is often possible to reconstruct the events that give some indication as to what occurred during the actual discharge of the weapon. By this I mean it is possible to determine the actual path or trajectory of the bullets, and using this information, determine the location of the shooter.

A number of factors must be taken into account including the position of cartridge cases ejected from automatic and semi-automatic weapons. It is therefore essential that the exact position of spent casings be marked and documented before any other investigative procedures are followed.

Document (Photograph & Sketch) Positions of Spent Cartridge Casings

Photography is the first necessity so it is imperative that the crime scene be afforded absolute security. Until spent cartridges are properly recorded-all foot traffic must be banned from the area.

Each spent casing should be marked using standard crime scene evidence identifiers such as "evidence tents," placards, or similar devices.

Typically, overall scene photos are taken first, followed by medium distance and close-ups. Be certain to include other nearby objects in these photos to better establish the true position of each object photographed.

It is also imperative that a crime scene sketch be prepared once photography is completed. Each spent casing should be located on the sketch that includes either triangulation or coordinate methods of measurement.

The physical location of spent casings may tell a unique story of their own. Placement of these objects results from normal ejection by the weapon and may provide limited data as to the location of the shooter, the direction of shots fired and possibly the path taken by the bullet(s). Ejected casings may also substantiate or refute statements from witnesses, victims or suspects.

Methods For Determining Bullet Trajectory

Historically, the technique of "stringing" a crime scene may date back over 70 years. Stringing has been, and continues to be used at crime scenes for the purpose of determining the source of blood spatter and the path of bullets.

Normally speaking, a firearms examiner would be called upon to render expert testimony with regard to the physics and trigonometric calculations regarding bullet travel. But experts with these qualifications are often few in number. It is therefore incumbent upon the crime scene investigator to provide this "expert" with the documentation needed to draw his conclusions.

While other factors may contribute to a determination of bullet trajectory-the most important fact required for there to be even the slightest degree of accuracy is for the bullet(s) to have passed through at least two objects. This will include:

A door and a wall

A two-sided wall

A window and/or a wall, door or victim, etc.

While stringing the crime scene has been the most frequently used method for documenting bullet travel, it does have its short-comings. When a bullet passed through a window, sharp edges are created, therefore if string is used it must be protected (tape or drinking straw). If more than just a few feet of travel is involved, string is susceptible to droop or sagging. It is therefore advisable to use a strong nylon or other synthetic string rather than cotton string.

Alternatives to Using String

An ideal alternative to use are rods of different diameters. With the exception of hollow aluminum rods, most metals like steel, copper or brass may tend to be too heavy. Also consider wooden dowels or plastic and fiberglass rods.

Tools and Equipment Needed for Determining Bullet Trajectory

String (if this is all that is available) Nylon (or equivalent synthetic)

Plastic or fiberglass rods (preferred), multi-colored if possible)

Adhesive tape (duct tape, surgical tape, even fingerprint lifting tape)

Measuring tapes (25-100 ft. w/metric scale)

Photo ID tape or stick-on labels

Evidence collection kit containing sterile swabs and collection containers

Evidence marking labels (adhesive-type)

Protractor (clear plastic) or,

Inclinometer - for measuring angles and slopes

Directional compass (camping-type with aiming sight)

Graph paper for sketching

Marking pens

Carpenter's or brick mason's string (bubble) level. This device is only used if an inclinometer is not available.

Laser pointer

Crime Scene Investigation Guidelines

Due to the variety and complexity of crime scenes, it is impractical to publish specific guidelines. The following guidelines are offered as a starting or reference point. The actual methods and procedures followed will be dependent upon the experience, judgment and training of the crime scene investigator.

Interior Structures and/or Motor Vehicles

The procedures followed when investigating shootings that occurred in a structure or motor vehicle are quite similar. Again, these suggestions are meant to be a starting point and the investigator should-first and foremost-follow departmental guidelines and procedures.

Shot or shots fired through a glass window: By examining the bullet hole, determine if the bullet was fired from outside or inside the window.

Using a sterile swab, collect any possible gunpowder residue from around the bullet hole from the outside. Repeat this procedure, using a fresh swab, on the inside of the window.

Locate any bullet holes inside the structure or vehicle.

Photograph all bullet holes found in the structure and vehicle. Be certain to include a scale and visible marker (stick on label) adjacent to each bullet hole:

1. Overall, wide angle photos

2. Medium distance photos

3. Close-up photos showing scale to determine bullet hole size

Determine if the bullet is lodged in the wall or object it struck. Locate the exit hole, if any.

If string is used, run the string from the bullet hole in the glass to the interior hole. Anchor the string outside of the window by tying it to a pencil, pen, etc., for support. Protect the string with tape or a drinking straw where it passes through the glass. Fasten the other end of the string to the wall or object adjacent to the bullet hole using tape. Photograph the string from a distance, attempting to get the entire run of the string.

If rods are used (preferred method) insert the rod into the entrance hole and through to the exit hole. Photograph the rod in place. Use the inclinometer to determine the angle of the rod to the wall and photograph it.

Prepare sketches as needed with all measurements required to give a full understanding of the reconstruction.

Note: If cartridge cases are found inside the structure, this will indicate that shooting also occurred inside. A thorough search of the room(s) involved is needed to locate additional bullet holes. Repeat the steps above as they apply to the indoor situation.

At no time during this preliminary evidence collection procedure should any attempt be made to recover the spent bullets that may be lodged in walls, ceilings, doors or furniture. Not until all of the above procedures are completed and photos and sketches finished should spent bullets be recovered.

Obviously extreme care must be taken to recover spent bullets. The area where the bullet is lodged (wall, door, furniture, etc.) must be cut out using hand tools. Despite the methods often shown on TV, this is not the time to dig out the bullet using a pocket knife. What is needed is a hand drill to make lead holes and then a keyhole saw to cut around the bullet hole. A sharp knife will be needed to cut into cloth furniture.

Laser Usage

A small laser or laser pointer is also very useful at certain crime scenes for determining bullet trajectory. The laser has, in many instances, replaced the use of string. Some crime scene kits contain a laser that has been modified so that it can be directly attached to the rod protruding from a bullet hole or attaching it to an inclinometer. One drawback of the laser is that the light beam is often invisible in well-lighted interiors.

This factor can be overcome by using "canned laser (aerosol) smoke." The alternative is to darken the room and taking time exposure photos.

Conclusion

Stringing the crime scene during reconstructing is a relatively simple, inexpensive, and accurate method of demonstrating bullet trajectory. It must be emphasized, however, that this determination is not precise, but it is more of a general, or relative, position-fixing method. The use of string is still valid and remains as only one of several methods of determining the point of origin of a gunshot. When feasible for use in court, it remains an excellent demonstrative tool. Learn more about crime scene investigation at the Crime Scene Tech Blog

Please visit the CSI TECH Blog for more free, online crime scene training.

Crimes and Self-Defense Products - Important Things You Should Know

Crimes have existed far longer than the laws that are designed to control and punish them. Over the years, communities have refined ways with which to fight crime. With self-awareness came the need for self-protection and the appearance of self defense products, if only to protect oneself from the physical harm associated with certain crimes. Today, personal protection products have come a long way; from the most cleverly disguised tools to gadgets using the latest technology. But can the presence and availability of these items deter crime or at best, discourage it?

Crimes and self defense products

The statistics are sobering enough: every 10 seconds, at least 3 crimes involving property occur. Every 15 to 20 seconds, a home gets burglarized. Dozens of crimes against persons occur every hour, attacks that very often involve physical assault. The fact is that majority of these crimes are preventable, if only the victims had enough knowledge, skills and access to a protection tool.

Self-defense products not only serve to stop an attacker, they are also effective for deterring any attacks. A home with a surveillance and alarm system, for example, is least likely to be considered an easy target for burglars than a house that doesn't have any kind of protection.

Many self defense products have also figured in helping solve crimes. Hidden cameras and other surveillance systems have helped record and monitor criminal activities, identify suspects and victims and help police in stopping and arresting the criminal.

Can self-defense products promote aggression?

Self defense products are designed to empower people and protect themselves, their loved ones and their property. These products are not meant to be used to initiate an attack; only to prevent, parry or deter.

Furthermore, many of these devices are restricted by state or federal laws. The use of tasers, tear gas and pepper sprays, for example, are limited for use by some laws. The stopping power of these products is also designed to ensure that they are used in non-lethal ways.

The Bottom line

Crime can and will exist with or without anyone owning or using self-defense products. The point here is, why bother allowing yourself to be victimized if, through the use of personal protection products, you could minimize the chances that you could be attacked or hurt? A simple defensive gadget can actually even help you survive an attack.

Furthermore, people who own and use self defense products are generally more confident. As a result, they are not viewed by would-be attackers as vulnerable or weak. Knowing that you can protect and defend yourself against an attack is often an effective means to curb crime. Quite simply, self-defense products make it difficult for crime to occur.

Steve Thibeault is an expert in self defense products. His company, TBO-TECH INC, has been providing quality self defense products such as stun guns and pepper sprays since the year 2000.

Crime Maps Could Depress House Prices

The recent launch of the crime map site police.uk has received mixed reviews. Not only were many surprised by the data relating to their seemingly quiet little street, but it has now emerged that the crime map concept could have damaging effects on the property market.

According to property analysts, the pin-pointing of crime prone areas may lead to a further decrease in housing prices in those regions. We could see the reverse effects of the development of school catchment areas, which drove prices up by up to 20% in "good school" zones.

From a study compiled in 2004, it was found that higher crime rates in London led to lower house prices. However, the most influential types of crime on property pricing were visible felonies such as vandalism or graffiti.

Other commentators are less convinced that the police.uk website will have a major impact. Many argue that crime levels are already available as part of the buying process, while most people looking to buy are either familiar with the area, or have done their homework beforehand.

The primary effects of this simplified geo-guide to crime may be the concern instilled in many home-owners whose areas are not quite the isolated havens they had come to know. Many of the searches being carried out will surely be queries from curious residents hoping to find that they reside in a crime-free zone, and to wear that badge of honour with pride.

However, analysts are worried that the tool will become a common denominator in any house-hunting process, with comparisons between prospective street crime rates influencing the decision to a greater extent than ever before. Of course, crime has always been a major factor in determining the suitability of an area for potential buyers, but the new means of discerning the level of anti-social behaviour may skew house prices and repulse buyers unnecessarily.

Currently, the site covers only England and Wales, and so any skewed figures will be reduced to South of the Scottish border. In the meantime, realtors and commercial property consultants north of the border won't have to worry about the effects of easily accessed - and perhaps misleading - detrimental crime figures.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

How to Protect Yourself From Violent Crime, Homicide, and Property Crime

According to the FBI, in 2008, the U.S. violent crime, homicide, and property crime rates were 454.5, 5.4, and 3,213 respectively, per 100,000 population. Not taking into account the city you live in, your personal demographics, or how you spend your time, this means that the odds of becoming a victim of a violent crime or homicide are roughly 0.46%, and the odds for property crime are 3.21%.

You NEED to take this seriously, because there are simple steps you can take to decrease your personal risk. It is essential that you understand how to protect yourself, your family and your property if presented with a dangerous situation. See below for two simple lists (by no means exhaustive).

How to Protect Yourself from Violent Crime and Homicide

• Complete at least an introductory self defense class - I have been taking Krav Maga for three years now, but five 1-hour, weekly classes at any reputable school can be fun and make an amazing difference in your overall safety. Bring a friend, and you can train together.

• Carry some type of self defense product with stopping power - Many people don't want to carry a gun or knife, and for good reason: These are expensive, often difficult to carry, and can end someone's life. Technology has advanced, and Tasers, Stun Guns, and Pepper Spray are inexpensive, easy to carry and inconspicuous, cause no permanent damage, and generally have MORE stopping power.

• Carry a personal alarm - In addition to a product with stopping power, personal alarms serve as a HUGE deterrent for would-be attackers. These fit on your keychain and, often times, have conveniences such as a flashlight.

• Evaluate how and where you spend your time - Make smart decisions that don't put you in dangerous situations: Avoid certain bars, park under street lights, don't walk the city alone, lock your doors and windows, limit your alcohol intake. Consider the many small decisions you make on a day-to-day basis that could affect

As a final note, notice that the title of this article is "How to Protect Yourself From Violent Crime, Homicide, and Property Crime," not "How To Avoid Becoming a Victim" or "How To Not Get Attacked." This is intentional: While there are many important decisions you can make to avoid dangerous situations, you should never think of personal safety as things you're NOT doing. Make choices, take steps, and DO whatever it takes to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

How to Protect Yourself from Property Crime

• Have some type of self defense product with stopping power accessible - Many people don't own a gun, and for good reason: These are expensive, dangerous to have in the home, and can end someone's life. Technology has advanced, and Tasers, Stun Guns, and Pepper Spray are inexpensive, easy to use, cause no permanent damage, and generally have MORE stopping power.

• Install some form of home security system - Some people like having fully automated security systems. The important thing with a security system is that it has an alarm of some type, because these are great deterrents. You can get simple home alarms to place in windows etc.... I know some people that don't have a full system, but put the ADT sign outside as a deterrent-I don't know how ADT feels about this, but I hope they're happy to help deter criminals. Don't rely on the system calling the company or 911; response times average around 30 minutes. Cameras are great to have, but they are useful only for assigning liability after the fact. The safety of you and your family is the most important.

• Evaluate where you choose to live - Consider the type of neighborhood you move into: Look up crime statistics in your neighborhood using local government websites. Consider the type of building you move into: Houses, apartments, and condos all have different risks to consider which must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Consider the local school system: This is one of the best indicators of the safety of the neighborhood. These considerations become even more important as you purchase a home and/or have kids.

As a final note, notice that the title of this article is "How To Protect Yourself From Crime," not "How To Avoid Becoming a Victim" or "How To Not Get Attacked." This is intentional: While there are many important decisions you can make to avoid dangerous situations, you should never think of personal safety as things you're NOT doing. Make choices, take steps, and DO whatever it takes to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

Stephen Buller is a practitioner of Krav maga.
He is Owner and Operator of Protechtion which aims to provide people with the necessary knowledge and technology to protect themselves, their families, and their property.

Protect Yourself.

Feng Shui and Pre-Crime

In the Tom Cruise movie, Minority Report, the futuristic concept of "pre-crime" centered around the merging of technology with psychic ability to predict crimes before they happen. Classical feng shui has been predicting crime for centuries without any technological support or psychic intervention.

Tracking the predictable forces of nature reveals ways of characterizing house types and buildings which are pre-disposed to encouraging the occupants to be involved with crime. Less specific, is whether or not the occupants will be the victims or perpetrators.

As well, some of the tendencies have changed their meanings slightly over time. As an example, hundreds of years ago there were house types that indicated the occupants could get in trouble with the government. This could have included some serious punishment by the king or emperor. Nowadays, that same house type could cause an occupant to metaphorically have his "head chopped off" with a tax audit!

In my own practice, I have been able to distinguish some of the types of crimes that a house may encourage, including: drug dealing, prostitution, robbery, assault, and arson.

In our most recent construction cycle history, buildings built between 1904-1923 have some vulnerability to crime that buildings built just earlier or just later do not have. This time frame was ruled by the "3" energy and is sometimes called the Period 3 or Construction Cycle 3. Back when these buildings and houses were first constructed, that 3 energy was quite positive and noble. But over the last eighty to a hundred years, what was once great energy has turned negative, like milk turning rancid. This is NOT to malign all structures from the 1904-1923 time period. In Los Angeles, there are some pretty architecturally wonderful buildings from that time period. But unfortunately, they now have a tendency to attract or create crime-like scenarios.

Other vulnerable building types are the structures built between 1944-1963, which are either east-facing or west-facing in their orientation. These places have energy right in the very center, which indicate a potential for legal problems or robbery. When do these things happen? Is there always a threat? The answer is that in certain years, and in certain months, the compounding timely influences can trigger actual events.

Last year, my own house was vulnerable to a "robbery," so I tried to protect myself by being a fanatic with the security system, using it every single time I left the house, even for 5 minutes. What I wasn't prepared for, was the more subtle "gentleman's robbery," which I experienced last year in the form of stockbroker fraud. I have since tried to forewarn clients that the "robbery" can happen in a whole variety of fraudulent acts, misrepresentations, even "little" crimes like mail theft.

This year in 2003 (this article was written in 2003), the direction of southwest is particularly receptive to crime. This could be the southwest part of your house, the southwest part of your city, and the southwest part of the country. Here in Los Angeles, we are in the southwest part of the country so we may likely experience an increase in crime in general. I don't predict this with any happiness, but just in the week of writing this article, we had two late-night high-speed freeway chases and a heavily reported bank robbery at the Larry Flynt building in Beverly Hills. Southern California also started the year with a couple of gruesome murders.

One of the major goals in feng shui is to prevent or reduce the negatives and to enhance or support the positive. More important than making extra money through feng shui maneuvers, it is protecting people from harm that is the priority. And if the police force can occasionally rely on psychics for crime-solving tips, then I can only hope for some "pre-crime" collaboration with feng shui in the not too distant future.

Kartar Diamond is the owner of Feng Shui Solutions. The wide range of services she offers can be found at http://www.FengShuiSolutions.net Kartar has been a classical practitioner since 1992 and has studied with world-reknown Master Larry Sang.

Kartar has authored several books, including the best selling Feng Shui for Skeptics.

Kartar is also co-owner of one of the finest custom crafted fountain companies, Artisan Wood and Glass.

To view the fountains, we invite you to go to http://www.ArtisanWoodandGlass.com The table top and wall fountains were specifically designed to hold enough water (over a gallon) so that the effects of water can really be utilized as water remedies.

Crime and Economy

How do you feel about the economy in today's world? We are reading in almost every country, that crime is on the rise due to the problems in the workforce and the fall in the economy. So how will you defend yourself?

Recent headlines are reading more and more of bank robberies, home invasions, car vandalism and thefts, purse snatchings, and other criminal behavior. With millions of people out of work, it is no wonder.

Crime analysts have always had different opinions about economic downturns leading to increasing crime rates. However, since the most recent fall on Wall Street, law enforcement agencies worldwide have seen notable increases in violence and property offenses as signs it is related to the economy.

Cities around world are reporting robberies in unprecedented numbers compared to recent years, or even decades. Many of the target victims are retail stores which have never seen crimes such as these. Those would include grocery and clothing stores, banks, and even restaurant suppliers.

Thefts of cars have jumped nationwide by 164% from last year, and vandalism leading to theft has more than doubled. Most law enforcement officers say it has been in direct correlation to the economy falling.

In October 2008, a survey of 180 law enforcement agencies by the Police Executive Research Forum in Washington, D.C., found that 75% cited the recent rise in crime was related to property crime.

The FBI states that the most vulnerable portion of the population, are young adults, many of whom have already been in some type of trouble with police, and who were trying to move into the workforce. They can't find a job to keep them from returning to previously committed lives of crime.

The Center for Crime Prevention and Control says the demand for illegal drugs is also being driven to more crime as the economy falls. Major surges in crime, are at their highest since the 1990's. The sale of illicit drugs is the only way many criminals can find a way to afford the drugs to sell to those who illegally do them.

The combination of declining resources and increases in many offenses may be representing only the first wave of the bad news. Because desperate people do desperate things to stay afloat, there are thousands who are giving away pets because they can't afford to feed them. Where once there was a dog to bark away an intruder, there is now nothing to deter a thief. People without an income certainly can't spend upwards of $100 per month to install and run home security systems. Many have turned to the one time purchase of home alarms that do not require monthly service fees.

Many cities saw a dramatic decrease in crime over 2007 and 2008 due to more police patrols. However, 62% of US police departments are now having to cut their forces and cutting overtime spending completely.

Among cities reporting increases in crimes, almost all account this to the sagging economy. Atlanta Police blames the economy for increases of 14% in burglary, and 17% in auto theft. Instead of stealing jewelry and other valuables, burglars are taking flat-screen TVs and computers which can be resold as there is more demand. Thieves are even stealing license plates for the renewal stickers in order to find relief from paying taxes on their vehicles.

The safety of all citizens must be our first priority; the second is the protection of their property. We are doing our part by raising your awareness to methods of protection.

We are going to list numerous products below that you may or may not have thought of.

Pepper Shot and Pepper Sprays now come in the form of Lipsticks, Pepper Pens and even look like a cell phone. Stun guns that look like a Flashlight, BB guns, or even an extendable baton. You can use a Voice Alert Driveway and Home Alarm Door Braces, Motion Alarms with Keypad Window with a Glass Breakage Alarm, a TeleSpy Intruder Alert Electronic Barking Dog, and many more.

How about a covert safe. They come in the forms of Beer & Soda Safes, Flower Pot Safes, Peanut Butter Jars, a Wall Socket Safe, Salt Shaker, Dry Soup can, or even a Salad Dressing Safe. They come in all shapes and sizes.

Keeping yourself and your loved ones is not easy, but you can find solutions.

Jill Manzoni is a Freelance Writer, Web Developer, and Virtual Assistant with over a dozen internet sites of her own. She supports many awards, accommodations, and honorable mentions for her work in print and online periodicals, including the Golden Web Award, the Family Friendly Site Award, Phenomenal Women of the Web Awards, and many other awards for her service to others. Among her books on Natural Health, and Environmental issues, she is a syndicated columnist, and her essays and articles appear in print and on hundreds of internet sites. Contact Jill at her site http://www.free-advertising-agency.com

Three Immediate Steps to Take After Discovering a Crime Scene

One of the most alarming and frightening things a person can encounter is to discover a crime scene. Depending on whether or not the crime recently occurred the situation can also be incredibly dangerous. While it is natural to feel shock and panic, your response to discovering the crime scene can make a crucial difference in its outcome. Should you ever find yourself in such a position there are several things to remember. Here are three immediate steps to take upon discovering the scene of a crime.

1. Get To Safety! If you enter a home, apartment, or business to discover evidence of a crime, especially a violent crime, you should exit immediately. Drive to a nearby store or go to a neighbor's home where you are safe in case the perpetrator is still nearby. If there are other people with you make sure that they do the same. Foolhardy attempts to catch the crook will only place more people in jeopardy. Plus, moving around a crime scene will only contaminate or even eliminate forensic evidence.

2. Notify the Authorities. The sooner someone contacts the police the quicker police officers and EMS will be able to respond. First Responders are trained to handle these situations and are better prepared to handle anything which might occur. You should never enter the scene of a crime in advance of the police. Criminals are potentially armed and dangerous and should you be armed when the police arrive, they might mistake you for the intruder. Also if anyone has been injured or killed then dangerous biohazards are present at the scene.

3. Write Down Everything You Remember. As quickly as you and without the input of others, write down everything you can recall about the crime scene. Don't struggle to remember details. Record everything you remember about the scene, both as you approached it and as you found it. Your initial impressions can be valuable to forensic investigators. If there were more than one person present at the time the scene was discovered, each person should write their account independently. Group discussions frequently "invent" details rather than corroborate them.

Once police investigators finish they will release the scene. The injured will be transported for medical care and the deceased removed by the coroner's office. At this point it will be the responsibility of the property owner or family to then restore the crime scene. Fingerprint dust cleanup can be difficult. The presence of blood or body fluids or tissues requires biohazard removal. At this point your best bet is to contact a professional crime scene cleanup company. Most insurance policies cover the expense of crime scene clean up.

By Scott Jemison

Contributor

Because Advanced Bio Treatment was founded by a former police officer and insurance agency owner, we understand the need for caring, competent and dedicated service to our clients. In all our work we make helping others the focus. We understand that our involvement with you happens as a result of some traumatic event in your life. Whether it is a crime scene cleanup, suicide cleanup, or some other tragic event, ABT understands.