CHAPTER 7PRIMER
inserted into a recess in the center of the base of
• also called CAP
• It is the ignition system of the cartridge
used in a center fire type, containing a
highly sensitive chemical compound that
would easily ignite or burst into flame
when struck by the firing pin.
also known percussion cup
TYPES OF PRIMER
BERDAN TYPE
• Colonel Hiram S. Berdan
• U.S Army Ordinance Department.
• Its anvil forms part of the cartridge case
and a number of flash holes to serve as
the passage of ignition usually two (2).
• common in almost all military ammunition.
BOXER TYPE
• Col. Edward M. Boxer
• Royal Laboratory at Woolwich Arsenal in
the year 1866.
• This type of anvil was formed separately
from the shell and became a part of the
ignition cap making a single flash hole to
serve as the passage of ignition.
Origin of Ignition System
• The term “lock”
• Earliest of these is the “match lock” also
referred to as refined “serpentine lock”
• Wheel lock” in the early years of the 16th
century
• “Flint lock” ignition system was developed
(also known as “Snap lock”)
• in this system a simle mechanical fire
striking lick called “snaphaunce”
PRIMER
a metal cup containing a primary explosive
the cartridge.
PARTS OF THE PRIMER
o PRIMER CUP- it is the brass gilding metal
cup which contains the priming mixture
o PRIMING MIXTURE- highly sensitive
chemical compound which ignites by the
mechanical blow of the firing pin
o ANVIL- provides solid support and
absorbs the blow of the firing pin causing
friction that would initiate ignition
o DISC- a thin paper or foil which is pressed
over the priming mixture in order to
protect it from moisture attack
TYPES OF PRIMING MIXTURE COMPOUND
• CORROSIVE- containing potassium
chlorate which when ignited prmoduces
moisture causing the foration of rust in
the bore of the firearm
• NON-CORROSIVE- designed for fewer
chances of rusting by replacing the
potassium chlorate with barium nitrate
Chapter 7 PROPELLANT
What is a GUN POWDER?
• Gunpowder (also called as propellant or
Power Charge) is the mixture of
chemicals compositions designed to
propel the projectile by means of its
expansive force of gas when burned.
The Development of Gun Powder
History of Gunpowder is the most controversial of
all topics incorporated in their field of study.
Powders, explosives are at most times credited to
the Chinese and the Arabs; they have had
pyrotechnic composition of sorts
(pyrotechnic composition is a a material or
physical mixture of materials that may undergo a
mutual, non-detonative, and self-sustaining
chemical reaction producing an effect by heat,
light, sound, and others) fireworks long before
anything of the kind was known in Europe, but
there is no warrant for considering that they had
invented gun and gunpowder. On the other hand,
according to Prof. J.K. Partington, a British
Chemist, at about 1000 A.D., the Chinese knew
about saltpeter-based gun powder (saltpeter-
based gun powder is a mixture of saltpeter
(potassium nitrate), sulfur, and charcoal.)
A question of where it was discovered, who first
used it for gun and who invented it is still a
mystery. Maybe this is caused by lack of proof
beyond doubt as to the claim of various writers as
to who invented the gun powder and realized its
capabilities. Two of the host popular individual
whose name is always attached to gunpowder
discovery were Roger Bacon and Berthold
Schwartz. Let's take a short description of how
their names are always mentioned in the history.
Roger Bacon, (1242 A.D.)
• Franciscan monk, who wrote the "De
Mirabili Potestate Artis et Naturae (On
the Marvelous Power of Art and Nature),
including an anagram. This anagram was
only re-arranged and properly punctuated
by a British Artillery Officer named Colonel
Hime, and it read -"but of salpetre takes
seven part, five of young hazel twig and
five of sulfur, and so thou wilt call up
thunder and destruction of thou know the
art". This is practically a working
gunpowder formula.
• Bacon did not make any claim of its
discovery but suggest that by 1266 the
gunpowder was already of a common
knowledge and he was merely reporting it
as a fact. Maybe another reason why he
never made any claim is due to the
prohibition existing during his time that no
forms of article involving explosives
should be made. If he was directly print
the same it might even cause him his life.
Berthold Schwarts
(Constantis Anklitzen), a mysterious monk of
Freiburg, who according to legend that is
supported by an engraving dated 1643 while
experimenting on some powder in a cast iron
vessel he ignited a charge and thus blew off the
lid, and from this deduced the principle of
containing a charge in tube and propelling a shot
(Encyclopedia of ammunition) The engraver dated
the scene 1380, and it was evident the well before
that date, cannons were already in use.
Another person in the year 1325 A.D. wrote his o
literary works entitled "De Officiis Regnum", which
illustrated the firing of a cannon. There is no
explanation of the picture but it is clearly shown
bulbous tube, with an arrow protruding from the
muzzle, being ignited by a man with a hot iron.
EXPLOSIVES
• An explosive is any substance that may
cause an explosion by its sudden
decomposition or combustion. It is a
material either a pure single substance or
mixture of substance with is capable of
producing an explosion by its energy.
Classification of Explosives
1. Propellants or low explosives. Burns but
do not explode and function by producing gas
which produces explosions.
Ex. BLACK POWDER- an explosive mixture of
potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate, charcoal, and
sulfur used especially in fireworks and as a
propellant in antique firearms
SMOKELESS POWDER- is a type of propellant
used in firearms and artillery that produces less
smoke and less fouling when fired compared to
gunpowder.
2. Primary explosive or initiators
-Explodes or detonate when they are heated or
subjected to shock. They do not burn; sometimes
they do not even contain the element necessary
for combustion. The material themselves explode,
and the explosion result whether they are
confined or not.
Ex. Mercury fulminate- is a primary explosive
that’s highly sensitive to friction, heat
and shock and is mainly used as a trigger for
other explosives in percussion
caps and detonators.
Lead Ozide- also called red lead or minium, that is
an inorganic compound, a bright red or orange
solid, it is used as pigment, in the manufacture of
batteries, and rustproof primer paints.
Picric acid- is used in the production of
explosives, matches, and electric batteries. It is a
very unstable and is a flammable/combustible
material.
3. High explosives
Detonates under the influence of the shock of the
explosion of a primary explosive. They do not
function by burning; in fact, not all of them are
combustible,, but most of them can be ignited by
a flame and in small amount generally burn
tranquilly and can extinguished easily.
Ex. Trinitrotoluene (TNT)- is an explosive used by
the military in artillery shells, grenades and
airborne bombs.
Dynamite- is a material that explodes when it's
detonated. It has long been used in mining, for
blasting open layers of rock.
Nitroglycerin- a powerful explosive and an
important ingredient of most forms of dynamite.
It is also used with nitrocellulose in some
propellants, especially for rockets and missiles,
and it is employed as a vasodilator in the easing
of cardiac pain. Pure nitroglycerin is a colourless,
oily, somewhat toxic liquid having a sweet,
burning taste.
Other forms of Explosives
• Nitroglycerine (NG) - a high explosive
substance widely used in industrial
explosives. It has been main component
of many dynamites. It is an oily liquid
made of nitric acid, sulfuric acid and
glycerine.
• Trinitrotoluene (TNT) - it is the most
widely used explosive, usually used in
military explosives.
• RDX. – also called hexogen or cyclonite or
cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine. It is the
most important military explosive used
today. It is a white solid without smell or
taste, widely used as an explosive.
• Nitrocellulose (NC) – or Cellulose nitrate
or nitro-cotton, is the nitrate eater of
cellulose that serves as the main
ingredient of many smokeless powder.
• Bomb – is poorly defined as a hallow
projectile of iron generally spherical,
containing an explosive material which is
fires by concussion of by time fuse.
Modern bombs are no longer constructed
on such pattern.
The Black Powder
Black Powder- the oldest known explosive, was
initially made from saltpeter (75%), charcoal (15%)
and sulfur (10%).
This formula varies in percentage and even in
composition in different countries throughout the
world. This mixture is being ground into fine dust,
called "Serpentine which was said to have been
used until the middle of the 16th century. After
such form a "corned powder was used to replace
serpentine, for being more stable.
But due to its high sensitivity leading to accidents
modifications had been made to develop other
forms Some used potassium nitrate while the
other used sodium nitrate. But whatever forms or
composition of black powders there is generally
great disadvantage of this powder. It creates a
dark smoke and causes fouling. This creates a
problem not only to the gunner but also to the gun
itself.
These problems in the use of black powder were
later remedied with the introduction of the
smokeless powder. According to Harrison,
Captain B. Schultze of the Prussian Army, made
the 1st successful use of smokeless powder in
shotgun in the year 1864.Although historically
nitroglycerine compound was first discovered in
1846. The basic ingredient used for smokeless
powder is a nitrocellulose that was first produced
by adding a nitric acid to cellulose fiber.
M. Vieille of French developed the first
smokeless powder for riffle in the year 1884 and
named it "poudre B" taken after Gen. Boulanger's
name.
In 1887, Alfred Nobel invented a smokeless
powder with nitroglycerine (40% and
nitrocellulose (60%) as the main composition and
called it "Ballistite". In Great Britain, they utilized
picrid acid in addition to cellulose powder which
they called "Lyddite"while in Germany TNT (Tri-
nitrololeune) was used. The latter is more
powerful than picric acid but much difficult to
detonate.
Prof. Abel, a British War dept. Chemist developed
"Cordite a smokeless powder with same
composition as Nobel in the form of cords or
sticks.
In early 1890's smokeless powder had replaced
black powder and became uniformly used
worldwide by the year 1900.

CHAPTER 9
Firearms Characteristics
A gun barrel is the tube, usually metal, through
which a controlled explotion or rapid expansion of
gases are released in order to propel a projectile
out of thae end of high velosity.All barrel
irrespective of the type of the weapons for which
they are made. are manufacture from a solid
piece of metal.
The following are the stages in the manufacture
of tthe barrel
A. Drilling
A Special deep-hole is used and through the
center of which lubricating oil is forced. under
preassure This operation result to a has been used.
comaparatively rough hole of uniform diameter
from one end of the barrel to other.
Rifling
This process is necessary for making of the
herical groves inside the barrel and such can be
performed many of the following methods.
1.Hook --cutter system (cutter)
2.scrape- ccutter system scraper)
3.Broaching systemCbroach)
4.Button-system (button)
Rifling in the bore of fire arm is a helical groove
consisting of depressed portion (grooves) and an
elevated portion (Lands) which is responsible for
the rotation motion of the projectile as it leaves
the gun muzzle.
D. Lapped
This is the polishing operation in which a lead
plug closely fitting the inside of the barrel is
drawn back and forth on a rod carrying with it is
a polishing compound .This will remove large
imperfection on the inside the surface of the
barrel both to the lands and the grooves.
The Breach face
Just like any barrel of every firearm the breech
face also bears with it the same importance. It is
that portion of the fire arms against which the
Shell on the cartridge case and primer is
pressed backward every time that cartridge is
fired in the .chamber If this happens the
base of the cartridge will be marked by the
breech face of the gun.
Types of characteristic in firearms
A.Class characteristic- are those properties or
attribute of fire arm which can be determine even
before the manufacture of the gun.This is the true
for such characteristics are considered to be a
manufacturer 's designs or specification and
security.
Individual Characteristics- are meant for those
characteristic which being determine only after
the fire arm has already been manufactured.They
are the product of machine imperfection while
other are subsequently produce after fire arms
Class Characteristics of Firearms
1. Bore diameter (caliber or gauge) It is the
diameter to which the bore was reamed and it is
the distance measured between two opposite
lands inside the bore in a hundredths or
thousandths of an inch. In most cases, it is
expressed in either caliber in inch or in
millimeters such as cal .22, .25, .30, .32, 38, .380,
.357, 44, 45, 50 etc. or 5.56mm, 6.35mm, 9
11mm, etc. In shotguns, they are either in gauge
or In inch, such as 10 gauge (.775), 12 gauge
(.729), 20 gauge (.615), 24 gauge (.579), 30 gauge
(.537) 36 gauge (.506) and the smallest of which
is gauge .410.
2. Number of lands and grooves
The number of lands and grooves inside the
barrel of a given firearm are always the same or
equal. It may run from 3 to 8, but the most in the
modern firearm are five and six
> Lands - are the elevated portion of the bore of
the firearm.
> Grooves - are the depressed portion of the bore
between the lands.
3. Width of the lands
It is dependent upon the bore diameter of the gun,
grooves, width and number. The lands are the
remainders of the circumference after subtracting
all the grooves width.

4. Width of the Grooves
It is measured as the shortest distance between
the two dies or edge of a groove.
5. Direction of Twist
Rifling inside the barrel of the gun is either
twisted to the left or to the right which causes the
bullet to rotate as it passes through the bore, in
order to ensure gyroscopic stability in its flight.
6. Pitch of Rifling
The pitch of rifling is the measure of the twisting
of the lands and grooves. It refers to the measure
of the distance advance by the rifling in order to
take a complete turn inside the barrel.
7. Depth of the Grooves
The groove's depth is measured on a radius of the
bore. Grooves are usually few thousandths of an
inch deep, which is equal to the height of the
lands.
Types of Rifling
1.Steyer Type - is the type of rifling having four (4)
lands and grooves, right twist and the width of the
lands grooves. (4 RG=L)
2.Carbine Type - rifling having (4) lands and
grooves, right twist, the width of the grooves is
two (2) times the width of the lands (4RG2X).
3.Smich and wesson - rifling having (5) lands and
grooves, right hand twist, the width of the land
and grooves are equal. (5RG=L)
4.Colt type of rifling having six (6) lands and
grooves, left twist, the width of the grooves is
twice (2) the width of the lands. (6LG2X)
5.Browning type of rifling having (6) lands and
grooves, right hand twist, the width of the grooves
is twice the width of the lands. (6RG2X)
6.Webley Rifling having seven (7) lands and
grooves, right hand twist, the width of the groove
is three times larger than the boarder of the lands.
(7RG3X).
7.Winchester - Rifling having six (6) lands and
grooves, right hand twist, the width of the grooves
is three times larger than the width of the lands.
Individual Characteristics in firearms are usually
determined by the test firing which will give us
both the test bullet and the test shell that will
show the individuality of its property based on the
marks that are left on every bullet and shell fired
from it. Such marks are so minute that the use of
the lens with high magnification is necessary to
discover individuality.
Marks left on fired shells or fired bullets are
generally categorized as either Accidental or
Repetitive. Accidental marks are those marks
that bare some importance to the investigation
but are considered to be not of significant value in
the identification of a particular firearm or
weapon since they are not regularly formed in the
operation of the gun. On the other hand, repetitive
marks are those marks which are very useful in
identifying a firearm. They show the identity of
performance.
Marks Found on Fired Bullets:
A.LAND MARKS - marks left on a fired bullet
caused by its contact to the elevated portion
(lands) of the bore of the firearm. It appears as
slight depressions or scratches the cylindrical
surface of the fired bullet.
B. GROOVE MARKS - marks found on a fired
bullet caused by the grooves of the barrel which
is the same number as that of the landmarks.
C.SKID MARKS - Marks that are generally found
on fired bullet from a revolver. It is more or less
located at the anterior portion of the fired bullet
due to its forward movement from the chamber
to the barrel of the gun before it initially rotates.
D. STRIPPING MARKS - marks found on those
bullets fired from a loose-fit" barrel wherein the
rifling are already badly worn-out. Worn-out in the
rifling of the firearms can be caused by either
chemical reaction brought about by rust
(corrosion) or through excessive use (erosion)
E. SHAVING MARKS - marks commonly found on
bullet fired from a revolver caused by its forward
movement to the barrel that is poorly aligned to
the cylinder.
F. SLIPPAGE MARKS- marks found on fired
bullets passing through either an oily or oversized
barrel.
Mark found on Fired shell
1. FIRING PIN MARK- mark generally found at the
base portion of the cartridge case more
specifically nearcenter of the primer cup in a
center fire cartridge or at the rim cabmvity of a
rim-fire cartridge. It is considered as one of the
most important marks for the identification of
firearms using fired shell.
2. BREECH FACE MARK- mark found at the base
portion of the shell caused by backward
movement to the breech face of the block of the
fire arm. This is also one of the important marks
in shell identification.
3. EXTRACTOR MARK- mark most found at
theextracting grooveof yhe fired cartridge case
caused by the withdrawal from the chamber.
4. EJECTOR MARK- mark generally found on
cartridge case fired from an automatic firearms.
It is locatedbnear the rim of the case caused by
the throwing of the shell from the firearms to the
area of shooting.
5. SHEARING MARK- sometimes called
"Secondary Firing Pin mark" found in the primer
near the firing pin mark.
6. MAGAZINE LIP MARK- marking found at the
two sides ofthe rim caused by the magazine lips
during the loading of the cartridge into the
magazine for firing.
7.CHAMBER MARK- mark mostly found around
the body of the fired cartridge case caused by the
irregularities of nips inside the walls of the
chamber.
In a fired cartridge case, either of the firing pin
mark and the breech face marks can be used as
basis for identification. In the absence or non-
usage of these two, both ejector and extractor
marks can be utilized as secondary chooices.
CHAPTER 10 The Forensic Ballistics Problems
The forensic Ballistic problem originally
composed of the six problems as written in the
book of Gunther and Gunther; however,
complexities and advancement in the field of
forensic ballistics and in relation to the applicable
laws, more particularly as regards to laws on
illegal possession of firearms, has emerged. As
such, the firearm identification divisions adopted
seven problems in its course.
Given: A fired bullet
Objective: To determine the caliber, type, and
make of firearm from which it was fired.
Procedure:
a. Identify the bullet based on its various
features such as type, shape and design
b. Use a caliper or a micrometer or a torsion
balance to measure the caliber of the
bullet or use a standard bullet at hand and
match the base of the bullets. In case of
fragmented or deformed bullets, it will be
difficult to determine its base diameter,
Thus, use the torsion balance in order to
get the equivalent weight of the bullet and
its approximate caliber.
c. After determining the caliber of the fired
bullet, examine its
cylindrical surface for the land marks and
groove marks. Identify the type of rifling
by determining the number of lands and
grooves, the direction of twist, the pitch of
rifling, the width of the lands and grooves
and the depth of landmarks.
Given: A fired shell/cartridge case.
Objective: To determine the caliber, type and
make of firearm from which it was fired.
Procedure:
a. Determine the caliber of the shell utilizing the
caliper to measure its body diameter or the
diameter of the mouth of the shell or simply
match it with standard shells.
b. Check on the base of the fired shell for the
head stamp. This part of the shell will give the
examiner information as to the caliber, themaker,
and at certain case even the date of its
manufacture.
Given: A Fired bullet and a suspected firearm.
Objective: To determine whether or not the fired
bullet was fired from the suspected firearm.
Procedure:
a. a. Examine the fired bullet as to its caliber,
type and make applying the procedure in
problem no. 1.
 b. b. Examine the suspected firearm as to its
condition and basic characteristics as to
whether there is probability of its being the
one used in the fired bullet. (verify the type
of rifling)
c. c. Test-fire the suspected firearm using
the bullet recovery box. Use at least three
(3) cartridges with the same caliber and
mark as the fired bullet. Make sure to
mark the cartridge with letter "t-1, t-2 and t
-3" as the case maybe plus the last two
digit of the serial number of the suspected
firearm.
d. Get the test bullet from the recovery box
and identify its
general characteristics to determine
probability with the fired bullet.
e. e. Match the fired bullet with the test
bullet using the bullet comparison
microscope or forensic digital comparator.
f. f. If similar individual marks (striations)
were observed on each bullet, then we can
conclude that the fired bullet was fired
from the suspected firearm. Otherwise
another firearm was used in its discharge.
Given: A fired shell and a suspected firearm.
Objective: To determine whether or not the fired
shell was fired from the suspected firearm.
Procedure:
a. Examine the fired shell as to its caliber,
type and make;
b. Examine the suspected firearm as to its
conditions and rifling characteristics.
c. Test-fire the suspected firearm using the
bullet recovery box. Use at least three (3)
cartridges for test firing. Make sure to
mark the cartridge with letter "t1, t2 and
t3" as the case maybe plus the last two
digit of the serial number of the suspected
firearm.
d. Get all the test shell and identify its
general characteristics to determine
probability with e fired shell.
e. Match the fired shell with the test shell
using the bullet comparison microscope
or digital comparator.
f. f. If similar individual marks (striations)
were observed on the breech face or firing
pin mark then we can conclude that the
fired bullet vas fired from the suspected
firearm. another firearm was used in its
discharge problem will be encountered as
to the use of the Otherwise breech-face or
firing pin mark, use the combined
extractor and ejector mark as a secondary
option for identification.
Given: Two or more fired bullets.
Objective: To determine whether or not they were
fired from one and the same firearm.
Procedure:
a. Identify those bullets as to their caliber,
type and make by applying the principle in
problem no. 1 (do not forget to mark the
fired bullets).
b. b. Bullets of the same caliber, type and
make should be compared at the bullet
comparison microscope.
c. c. The fired bullets that show a magnified
image of similar characteristics will be
considered fired from one and the same
firearm, while those that would not match
positively were fired from different
firearms.
Given: Two or more fired shells.
Objective: To determine whether they were fired
one and the same firearm.
Procedure:
a. Identify each fired shells as to their caliber,
type and make applying the procedure in
problem no. 2 (do not forget to mark each
fired shell)
b. b. Compare each fired shell of the same
caliber, type and make using the bullet
comparison microscope. The fired
cartridge case having similar individual
marks (striations) will prove that they
were fired from one and the same firearm
while the non-identity of their individual
marks would mean that they have been
fired from different firearms.
 A. Basis of Firearm Identification:
1. Firearm identification is actually refined
tool mark identification. The basis of
identification of firearm is based on
minute imperfection caused by final
polishing of the tools involved.
2. The natural wear and tear of the tools involved.
That every firearm are not permanent for they are
subject to deterioration or worn out.
3. When the softer surface comes in contact
with the harder surface, it is always the softer
surface that will be engraved or marked by
whatever impression or marks present on the
harder surface. This is true in a sense that every
firearm is made up of harder material than any
bullet or shell of the cartridge.
4. The fact that no two things are absolutely
identical or alike. There can be some sort of
similarity in general properties but not on the
individuality or minute imperfections or details.
B. Principles involved in Bullet Identification:
1. No two barrels are microscopically alike or
identical as to the internal bore
construction, all barrels possesses
individuality or characteristics marks of
their own.
2. When a bullet is fired from a rifled gun
barrel, it becomes engraved by the rifling
characteristics of that barrel with varying
minute details. It means that a bullet fired
from one barrel will have an engraving
different from that of another bullet fired
from another firearm and conversely,
bullet fired from the same firearm will
bare same engraving as those that can be
found on the barrel.
3. Every barrel leaves its "thumbprint" or
*fingerprint on every bullet fired on it.
C. Principles of Shell Identification:
1. The breech face and the striker (or firing
pin) of every firearm have microscopic
individualities of their own.
2. Every firearm leaves its "fingerprint" or
"thumbprint on every cartridge it fires.
3. The whole principle of identification of
shells is based upon the fact that since
the breech face of every weapon must be
individually distinct, the cartridge cases
that it fired are imprinted with this
individuality. The imprints of all cartridge
cases fired from the same weapon are the
same, and those on cartridge cases fired
from different weapon are different.
Chapter 11INVESTIGATION OF BALLISTICS
CASE
1. Step to be followed upon arrival at any
crime scene
It must be noted that the first priority upon
arrival at the scene of the crime is to save life
if possible.
The following step must be observed upon
arrival at the scene of the crime:
a. Record the date and time of arrival
including the weather condition (if information
was obtained through telephone call, note
accurately the time the call was received
before leaving).
b. Look for living person immediately at the
place (witness, victim, suspects if possible).
c. If an injured person is the scene, arrange for
medical attention, identification and removal.
d. If the offender is at the scene, apprehend
him.
d. If the scene is not full protected, ensure its
protection by using other policemen or other
responsible persons to keep witnesses,
suspects, and victim (s) who are present
from disturbing the scene
f. Determine and record the names of the
persons at the scene who may be witnesses,
and separate them. These persons should be
remove from the immediate area of the scene
as soon as practicable.
g. Conduct a preliminary questioning of
witnesses suspects and victim to determine
in general the extent of the incident of crime.
h. Note the names of all persons officially
present. Those present within the immediate
area of the scene should be only the minimum
numbers needed to assist the investigator. It
may be necessary to request other policemen
or officials present to refrain fro, examining or
disturbing objects or aspects of the scene.
2. Recording
Records of the crime scene in its original
state will be used in the subsequent
investigation, as well as at trial if necessary.
3 methods for crime scene recording
• Notes
• Sketches
• Photography
Ideally, all three should be used but
photography is not always available, so
sketching and notes should be done at the
very minimum.
 As a rule; do not touch, alter or remove
anything at the scene of the crime until the
evidence has been processed notes,
sketches and photographs, with proper
measurements.
III. Search of Evidence
a. Each crime scene is different, according
to the physical nature of the scene and the
crime or offense involved. Consequently,
the scene is processed characteristics of
the scene and with the need to develop
essential evidentiary facts peculiar to the
offense. A general survey of the scene is
always made, however, to note the
location of obvious traces of action, the
probable entry and exit point used by the
offender and the size and shape if the
area involved.
b. In rooms, buildings, and small outdoor
areas, systematic search of evidence is
initiated. (In the interest of uniformity, it
is recommend that the clockwise
movement be used).
c. In large outdoor areas, it is advisable to
divide the area into strips about (4) feet
wide. The policeman may search the strip
on his left as he faces the scene and the
adjoining strips.
d. It may be advisable to make a search
beyond the area considered to be
immediate scene of the incident or crime.
e. After completing the search of the scene,
the investigator examines the object or
person that has actually been touched by the
offender.
f. Method of Crime scene
1. STRIP METHOD- applicable when the
shooting incident took place in small
closed area. This is done by one, two or
more three (3) numbers of searchers
standing side by side from the entrance to
the end of that path.
2. DOUBLE STRIP METHOD- applicable
when the shooting incident took place in a
bigger area. It is considered as one among
the ideal methods of search in a closed
area. In this method, the rectangular area
is traversed first parallel to the baseline
and the parallel to the side.
3. 3. WHEEL METHOD- applicable when the
shooting incident took place in a bigger
area. It is considered as one among the
ideal methods of search in a closed area.
In this method, the rectangular area is
traversed first parallel to the baseline and
then parallel to the side.
4. 4. SPIRAL METHOD- the searchers gather
at the center and proceed in outward radii
and pokes. This procedure should be
followed or repeated several times
depending on the size of the area.
5. 5. ZONE METHOD- if the incident took
place in a bigger area, this method can be
used. The area is divided into zones, and
in each zone any one of the first four
methods can be used. This method is very
practical in an outdoor shooting incident
or in cases of running gun bottles. One
researcher may be assigned a search
zone.
V. Collection of Evidence
After careful search of physical evidence, proper
collection is very essential to ensure that the
evidentiary value of the physical evidence is
protected and not destroyed either intentionally or
accidentally or negligently
Guides are hereby recommended:
1. All article that are or may at some future dates
would be of significance to the case must be
carefully preserved.
2. Generally, evidence consist of the following:
a. Any evidence or physical object that may
tend to show that a crime was committed (direct)
and,
b. Anything that may connect some particular
person with the crime or crime scene (indirect).
In shooting incidents, the following pieces of
physical evidence are commonly observed:
Lethal weapons or fatal weapon
Fired bullet/s
Fired shell/s
Metal fragments
Broken glass or those allied item or objects
Holster magazine/s
Cartridge/s
Glove/s
Mask/s And all other firearms accessories
3. When possible, designate one of the
investigating men to collect all evidence.
a. This makes the introduction of the exhibits
in court simpler.
b. One officer will usually keep better records,
remember when where and what was collected.
4. In collecting physical evidence precautionary
measure should be made in order to maintain the
condition of the evidence when it was discovered.
As a general rule, be sure to to “MAC” the physical
evidence.
“M”-----(Mutilate) Mutilation or cutting of physical
evidence is highly prohibited for it will greatly
affect the nature of evidence can be questioned.
“A”-----(Alter) in no case should an investigator
change the very nature of the evidence either by
additional or removal of anything that makes up
the evidence when it discovered. If the changes
have occurred accidentally, such should be noted
in his record including the immediate cause of
said change/s.
“C”----(Contaminate) Evidence are not supposed
to be mixed together. It is better that each
evidence be treated with great care. Different
evidence requires different method of collection
and preservation depending on their very nature.
5. Photographing and sketching are very
necessary before anything at the scene of the
crime be touched, moved or taken for it will serve
as the record of the evidence and later be proof in
showing the origin or source of the evidence in
court.
6. Note-taking is likewise important in course of
collecting physical evidence. All pertinent
information regarding the condition, location
nature of the evidence and other should be
recorded properly for the investigator cannot just
rely on his memory regarding all things that
transpired in the course of investigation. And the
same time it will serve as his guide in preparing
his case and will guide him in his testimonies in
court.
7. When firearm is found at the scene of the
incident, the investigator should take note of the
important matters regarding its discovery and
condition the following precaution should be
taken into consideration in collecting suspected
firearms/s:
a. The use of steel rod, pencil or any other
object to be inserted at the bore of the fire
arms is advisable. This method would only
cause three possible problems:
1. Introduction of foreign materials to the
bore of the firearm causing
contamination;
2. Disturbance or removal of some powder
fouling inside the bore that bears a
significant role of chemical analysis in
determining weather the gun was recently
fired or not and;
3. Alteration of internal bore construction
due to added scratches that would create
confusion in the identification og said fire
arms
b. The use of handkerchief to pick up firearms at
its handle oor its barrel is also prohibited. Such
procedure will tend to loss chances of detecting
and taking latent prints which is very important in
determining the possible identity of the
perpetrator.
c. The use of handkerchief or string straw to be
inserted at the trigger guard of the firearm ( make
sure the gun is not pointed to anyone) and putting
it on a hard paper envelope is the best method of
collecting suspected firearm at the scene. See to
it that the firearm especially in the case of a
revolver should not be left “full or half-cooked”. In
such cases, make use of crumped paper, cartoon
or handkerchief to be placed immediately in front
of the hammer and press the trigger to avoid
accidental firing.
d. Information as to the location of the gun when
discovered, caliber type and make, serial number
and whether it is loaded or not and how the loads
were arrange should be noted and tag to the
firearm.
8. When bullet/s is found at the scene of the
crime, the ff. Procedure should observed;
a. Bullet inside the body of the victim should not
be dug out by the investigator; only authorized
person such as the medico legal officer should do
digging;
b. Bullet/s that penetrate into walls wood,
furniture/s or tree should be treated with care not
to alter or cut the bullet. In case it penetrates into
tree, spilt open tree and let the bullet freely fall
into your hands. It would be difficult to do so, cut
a portion of the object where the bullet penetrated
and bring it to the laboratory for proper extraction.
c. Bullet should be picked up and wrapped
individually using cotton, tissue or paper. Put it in
an envelope, pillbox or any appropriate container.
d. Collect as much metal fragment as possible,
metal fragments that possibly fit together can be
of importance to the case.
9. When fired cartridge case is found at the scene
of the crime, collection should be made
individually just like in bullet. Information as to the
numbers of shell, caliber, type and make place
and date recovery should be noted.
V. Marking of Evidence
● The marking of physical evidence such as
fired bullet/s, fired shell/s, firearm/s and
other objects which have some bearing to
the case is very important for the
investigator .
● In the presentation of evidence in court,
identification and determination of the
source of evidence is very necessary
before any evidence be finally accepted in
court .
● Markings can be one way to protect them
from any attempt at concealing the case.
● In most cases, the defense counsel even
requires the establishment of the chain of
possession or custody of ballistics
exhibits in the same way as the complete
note taking and marking will be greatly
used.
Rules in marking physical Evidence (Ballistics
Exhibits)
1. Make use of hard pointed instruments
called stylus in marking ballistics
evidence such as metallic or plastic
cartridge case , bullet and firearm.
2. Use distinctive marks such as initials of
the investigator, victim or suspects if
identified plus the date of recovery.
3. Put the mark on the surface of the
evidence that would not in any way alter
its very nature.
4. Make a complete record of the mark
used, where it is placed and other
distinctive marks the evidence possesses.
5. If tags are to be used, make the
necessary entry, attach it securely before
putting on the evidence bag or container.
6. Keep a complete record of the chain of
possession of the ballistics evidence.
Rules in marking physical Evidence (Ballistics
Exhibits)
1. Make use of hard pointed instruments
called stylus in marking ballistics
evidence such as metallic or plastic
cartridge case , bullet and firearm.
 2. Use distinctive marks such as initials of
the investigator, victim or suspects if
identified plus the date of recovery.

3. Put the mark on the surface of the

evidence that would not in any way alter
its very nature.

4. Make a complete record of the mark

used, where it is placed and other
distinctive marks the evidence possesses.

5. If tags are to be used, make the

necessary entry, attach it securely before
putting on the evidence bag or container.

6. Keep a complete record of the chain of

possession of the ballistics evidence.

VI. Preservation of Physical Evidence

● Physical evidences have varieties of forms

and natures, hence, the way they are to
be preserved also call for some
specification, precaution and even
extreme care.

● It is important to note that evidence in

ballistics evidence such as fired bullet,
fired shell and firearm (most common)
preservation is not extremely delicate
compared to blood stain, fibers , seminal
stain, and other evidence that are all of
sensitive nature.

VII. Transmittal of Physical Evidences

● When all evidence has been collected,

marked and properly sealed and labeled,
these should be transmitted to the proper
authority .

● The officer in charge of the case should

be well aware of the "Chain of Custody" of
the evidence.