This document discusses key steps and considerations for analyzing firearm evidence at a crime scene:
1. Firearms evidence such as gunshot residue, cartridge cases, bullets, and firearms themselves can be crucial for linking a shooter to a crime like homicide or rape.
2. Forensic technicians can analyze distance of shots, compare cartridge cases and bullets to potential guns, determine firing sequence and trajectories, and match gunshot residue on suspects.
3. When collecting a firearm, technicians must carefully diagram, photograph, and treat every firearm as if it's loaded for safety.
4. Additional evidence like fingerprints, fibers, debris or biological materials may also be present on firearms and should be collected and analyzed.