FIREARM EXAMINER’S KIT

INNOVATIONS

BATI, AGUSTIN S.
NOVEMBER 2019

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 Abstract

The Firearm Examiner’s Kit is a toolkit equipped with accessories or instruments

use in the collection, identification, authentication and preservation of pieces of

evidence related to forensic ballistics. The firearm examiner’s toolkit is important in

such a way that it beneficial to the criminal investigators in solving crimes where the

firearm examiner’s toolkit is being needed. This will also be a great help for the future

law enforcers involve in the function of police investigation.

The Firearm Examiner’s Kit was assembled through the combination of ready-

made equipment available and the creativity of handmade materials together with skills

and capabilities of the researchers in assembling the said innovation product. The

researchers seek for the advice of experts on the field of technical investigation and

examination of bullets, shells and firearms for any instruments that should be putted on

the Firearm Examiners Kit needed on collection and preservation of Ballistics related

evidence. The components needed in this study are the following: Brief case,

Styrofoam(18x12), marine plywood (1/4”), foot rule, Vernier caliper, magnifying lens,

micrometer, bullet trajectory rod, engraving pen, tape measure, gloves, masks, test

tubes, cotton swabs, purple cork, rifling pattern chart, portable comparison microscope.

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 INTRODUCTION

In today’s modern age, the world is surrounded by vast innovation due to the

advent of technology it makes lives practically unimaginable without it. It may not seem

as important as to the other modern day conveniences like social media and the

telecommunications but it influence, shapes, and affect our culture, history and way of

life (Eregge,2016). One of the coverages of the vast innovation due to the advent of the

technology is lessening the law enforcer work in processing crime scenes such as

police photography, bullet trajectory, finger printing, legal medicine, and many more. As

time passes by, firearms including bullet evidences have big involvement in such

incidents wherein Gun Violence Statistics (2015) considered it as one of the global

issues that needs immediate actions. The presence of crime means a lot of work for the

law enforcement agency. Because crime cannot be eliminated, Police officer tried their

best to prevent and control it. Durkheim (as cited in Henry and Lanier, 2001) said that

“crime is not only normal but it is also necessary to hold the society together. This

means criminality is essential to the society to maintain closeness among lawful

elements against lawless element. In the same reference, Einstader and Henry defined

crime in a classicist’s perspective that crime is defined by the legal code and there is no

crime without the law. In this view, crime exist primarily because of the law. Although

viewed in different perspectives, at is clear that there is crime because another person

right is violated and that crime is socially unaccepted.

Most countries have produced data on firearms deaths that allowed researchers

to estimate the number of suicides, homicides, and unintentional deaths by firearms and

to make international comparisons. These data collected through the United Nations

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International Study on Firearm Regulation (1998) allow for some preliminary

comparisons. Twenty-nine countries submitted statistics on the rate of firearm deaths

per 100,000 populations. About 21 of the countries reported a rate of less than 5 per

100,000 populations, including Canada at 4.1; Australia at 3; New Zealand at 2.9; and

Sweden at 2.3. Nine countries reported rate of one or less, including Japan at 0.7 and

the United Kingdom at 0.6 (United Nations, 1998).

On the other hand, National Institute of Justice(2016) released their findings that

,most homicides in the United States are committed using firearms, especially

handguns and these gun-related homicides are prevalent among gangs and during the

commission of felony.

In the Philippines, illegal gun ownership and gun trade are also problems. Due to

the fact that tighter gun restrictions encourage illegal gun trade, reusers notes “with

legal access denied, Filipinos simply turns to the many illegal gunsmith who do their

trade in back alleys and on the edge of rice fields despite government crackdowns”. In

addition, the law is not vigorously enforced, and the availability of guns are just at the

malls (Stacklin, 2013).

As a consequence, this leads to the widespread use of firearms in extra-judicial

killings, murders, and assassinations which most of them are still unsolved because of

lack of technological advances in the Police force. In conducting thorough examination

of the ballistics related evidences it is complicated in nature and is only to be brought to

the National Office, Camp Crame, Quezon City, Manila or other PNP Regional Offices

who are well-equipped with the Comparison Microscope and other laboratory equipment

necessary in the investigation.

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 In Baguio City and other provinces within the Cordillera Administrative Region,

the Police Force was faced with different problems when responding to crimes in far

flung areas. Dating back to its early years, roads then were not yet fully developed,

means of transportation are not that feasible, and not all barangays have electricity. As

a result, the police force of these a areas suffered setbacks such as difficulties in

maintaining the integrity of the pieces of evidence since that time transferring the pieces

of evidences were prone to mutilation, alteration, and contamination. In addition, in

examining the ballistic related evidences, they need to transport it to NCR for ballistic

examination because of lack of equipment and facilities that will aid them in conducting

investigation.

Ballistic examination then is imperative in conducting in depth investigation on crimes

involving firearms. The range of pieces of evidence on these cases can be small as

small as a piece of bullet fragment which has rifling marks or as large as hundreds of

bullet, cartridge cases and numerous firearms. Even from small samples, information

can be developed to indicate the type of firearm use and possibly identify the actual

firearm that was used. When evidence such as shot shell casings, cartridge cases,

bullets and slugs is found at a crime scene or recovered from victims, buildings,

furniture, vehicles, trees, etc. an examiner can analyze it to determine the type of

firearm used. The firearm examiner can also compare shot shell casings, cartridge

cases and bullets from different crime scenes to determine if a common firearm was

used (Forensic Sciences Simplified, 2016).

The birth of Ballistics goes back to the time when people began to study how to

launch projectiles like stones and hit specific long distance targets. As time passes by,

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scientists invented propellants, then gun and ballistic measuring devices wherein

significant development of ballistics continued.

Nearly two hundred years ago, firearms identification focused primarily on the

identification of the caliber, any microscopic imperfections present on the bullet used in

the crime. However, firearm identification saw an increased interest in the late 1800s to

the early 1900s and thus firearm identification was developed into a more through

process. During this time of peaking interest, firearm identification was used in several

court cases within the United States, and more research was conducted throughout the

United States and Europe on the subject. In 1900s, Dr. R. Kockel of Leipzig was the first

to use striation matching of tool marks. In his first paper, KOCKEL was able to identify

knife cuts made in wood through oblique lighting and photography. In another one of his

paper, Kockel described the process he used in which he examined tool marks through

magnification and measuring relative spacing with calipers. In addition, KOCKEL had

pointed out the change in the geometry of the tool mark as the angle of the knife blade

would be changed during an attack.

In the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s there was continued increase of forensic tool mark and

firearms analysis. In fact, the scientific crime detection laboratory became operational at

Northwestern University in Chicago in 1930 and was soon followed by the federal

bureau of identification laboratory in 1932, several other laboratories started opening up

to assist police forces in firearms and tool mark identification.

For the most part, early studies and cases largely focused on ballistic tool marks,

with the exception of a few studies including Dr. Kockel’s work as previously described.

In 1948 Dr. Thomas of the University of Ghent added to the tool mark references by

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publishing a paper describing the tool marks left on a skull by an axe. Since then, many

different types of tool marks have been characterized. For just under a century, forensic

examiners have been relying primarily on comparison microscopes to compare the

microscopic features of tool marks found at the crime scene with those generated by

suspected tools. The success and accuracy of this examination process is dependent

on the examiner’s training and experience, and relies heavily on the subjective

judgment of the examiner to assess whether two compared tool marks are more similar

than tool marks generated by different tools. Thus, results might become skewed

through human error. In addition, microscopic images are only capable of providing an

indirect measure of the underlying tool mark surface topography through slope

variations and shadowing, and are affected by lighting conditions, exposure settings,

and variations in reflectivity. New technologies have been developed to create 3d

imaging of the tool marks, for more accurate results.

In 1969, the association of firearm and tool mark examiners was formed. The

original members were made up of specialists from all across the United States and

Canada, and were comprised of both civilian and police technicians. To continue this

growth in firearm and tool mark examination, the AFTE has been hosting annual training

seminars at various locations throughout North America since 1970. By 1979, there

were 149 delegates from seven nations that attended the groups 10 th convention. And a

year later, the Association of Firearm and Tool mark Examiners (AFTE) had published a

291 page AFTE glossary, produced by a five-member standardization committee. Then

an official AFTE training was released in 1992, with new editions of the glossary

published in that year and in 1994. Since then, the AFTE membership has included 850

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specialists from 40 countries worldwide. The development of new technologies will

assist in firearm and tool mark identification. For example, standard comparison

microscope has been improved, as they are now equipped with digital cameras and

closed circuit television(CCT)units, which allows for direct viewing on a monitor and

instant documentation using digital photomicrography.

In 1996, the National Institute of Standards (NIST), Gathersburg, Maryland, was

directed to provide technical assistance to assist with ‘ballistic imaging interoperability’

between the Drug Fire and IBIS technologies. In 1996, Tom A. Warlow published a text

on firearms identification titled “Firearms, the Law and Forensic Ballistics”. Warlow, a

senior firearms examiner, then assigned to the Forensic Science Service (FFS)

Laboratory in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, England, is now located at the FSS

Laboratory in London, England. (This laboratory was previously the Metropolitan Police

Laboratory of the new Scotland Yard until absorbed by the Forensic Science service in

1997. This was an effort by the government to curtail costs). Warlow has written a

useful text that contains excellent information for firearm and tool mark examiners. In

1998, the federal bureau of investigation (FBI) established the scientific working group

for firearms and tool mark (SWWGUN). The purpose of SWGGUN is to develop a series

of consensus guidelines for the firearm and tool mark discipline and to disseminate

SWGGUN guidelines, studies and other findings that may be benefits to the forensic

community. That SWGGUN consist of some 21 members with experience and

knowledge in the discipline. In 2001, Forensic Technology, Incorporated (FTI) of

Montreal, Canada initiated the Calvin H. Goddard Award to honor “an individual or

group that has demonstrated excellence in the area of firearms identification through

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sustained superior performance, exemplary handling of a case, the implementation of

best practices or in some other outstanding of unique contribution to the field of firearms

identification.” Goddard is considered by most firearms examiners to be the ‘father’ of

the science of firearms identification – especially in the United States. The Calvin

Goddard Award has been awarded since 2001 to a very qualified firearms examiner and

presented at the AFTE Annual Training Seminar.

In 2004, the Association of Firearm and Toolmarks Examiners (AFTE) celebrated their

35th Anniversary by holding their Annual Training Seminar in Vancouver, Canada.

In May 2005, the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 document was published. This new

document requires that all forensic laboratories currently accredited under the old ISO

17025 standards conform to the new standard by June 2007. Two companies offer

accreditation services for forensic laboratories. They are: American Society Crime

Laboratory Directors/Laboratory and Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung – I.

In 2005, Forensic Technology Incorporated (FTI) announced the deployment of

their BulletTRAX-3D™ bullet imaging system. In 2006, they announced deployment of

their BrassTRAX-3D™ cartridge case imaging system. Both BulletTRAX-3D™ and

BrassTRAX-3D™ (IBIS-TRAX 3D™) use confocal microscopy to create a 3D image of

the fired bullets and cartridge casings for analysis. The goal of the company is to

replace the current IBIS Heritage which currently records the acquired data in 2D. The

new systems can be integrated with the existing IBIS systems until the older systems

are replaced. FTI currently has ballistics imaging equipment in some thirty-five (35) plus

countries around the world. Inter comparison of fired components has been reported

between states in the United States as well as between countries in Europe.

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 In 2006, a number of examiners have taken and passed the three certification

examinations. The number of currently certified examiners is sixty-one (61) for the

firearms test; twenty-six (26) for the tool mark test and twenty-four (24) for the Gunshot

Residue/Distance Determination tests. In some instances, some examiners have taken

all three tests. The written portions of the three tests are offered at the AFTE Annual

Training Seminar while other arrangements are made to take the practical portion of the

examination.

In 2007, the SWGGUN – established in 1998 and currently consisting of

members from Federal, State, Local and Private Laboratories in three countries –

created an Admissibility Resources Kit (ARK) for use by firearms examiners, and

others, within the forensic community.

In 2007, the ATF National Firearm Examiner Academy (NFEA) has graduated a

total of seventy-four (74) graduates from the Academy. The majorities of the graduates

have returned to their assigned laboratories and continue to work in the field of firearm

& tool mark identification. These individuals, as part of their NFEA requirements, have

completed numerous excellent research projects in the field of firearm and tool mark

identification and the results either presented at professional meetings and/or published

in professional journals, primarily the AFTE Journal. Currently twelve (12) students are

attending the academy and scheduled to graduate in early 2008.The field of firearm and

tool mark identification continues to evolve in a very positive manner. Several

examiners have taken the recently offered AFTE sponsored certification examinations

and others are contemplating taking the examinations. Numerous laboratories –

especially in the United States – have become accredited (or reaccredited) under the

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ISO 17025 standards. Research is being conducted and the results shared throughout

the forensic community. Examiners are continuing to learn how to properly articulate the

results of their laboratory examinations before the various legal proceedings. As we

continue into this century, scientific advances will continue within the field of firearm and

tool mark identification.

With the significant development of Ballistics based on the history, it now became

the foundation of the modern ballistics wherein the principles and the theories used,

served as their basis. This made the researchers make the Firearm Examiner’s Kit

which is affordable, durable and easily access to the materials. Furthermore, this

research may serve as a basis and reference to the future researchers who might be

interested in developing the same research concept.

Theoretical framework

In this research, theories and concepts about Firearm Examiner’s Kit will help to

support and prove in the examination of firearms and ballistics related evidences found

at the crime scene of it’s authenticity, reliability and accuracy as a tool so as to identify

any rifling patterns, marks made by using suppressors, shell casings, and many other

different areas relating to the use of firearms and the evidence they leave behind.

According to Claridge (2016), It can also be used to prove a link between many different

crimes carried out over a lengthy period of time.

Principle involve in bullet, barrel and shell identification

Like in the individuality principle of fingerprint “No two fingerprints are alike, except if it

came from only one source” (Marcelo, 2006). As to barrels of firearms, they possess the

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individual characteristics that distinguishes them with other barrel as they produce

impression on the bullet that passes through it.

In addition, it is also the same to bullets, that a bullet fired in a rifled gun barrel an

engraving or markings will be left by the rifling of the gun barrel which makes that bullet

different from another fired in a different barrel but if the bullet is fired in the same gun

barrel the engravings left by the riffling will be the same (Sarmiento, 2012).

The paradigm of the study started with the inputs that provides the questions

needed to answer in the study. During the process, the inputs were used in developing

the output through assessing the level of effectiveness, durability, and acceptability in

proving result, and its application to criminal investigation whenever they are utilized by

the PNP Crime Lab Forensic Ballistician as well as the criminology students enrolled in

Forensic Ballistics.

Furthermore, this is the conceptual output of our firearm examiner’s toolkit is an

instrument designed to gather ballistic tools and will be fixed inside the said toolkit. The

firearm examiner’s toolkit is not to be very big and heavy. It is easy to carry, durable and

not easily destroyed. The firearm examiner’s toolkit contains the ballistic tools wherein

upon opening, a folded compartment will be seen inside the toolkit, inside it will be

coated with a depressed shaped measuring the tools that would be put in. a fixed

placing of the tools is observed. The tools that would be provided are the caliper,

magnifying glass, crusher gauge, micrometer, star gauge, Vernier caliper, tallysurp and

tallyron.

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 MATERIALS AND METHODS

Research and Design

The researchers used developmental design technique which leads to the

development of a Firearm Examiner’s Kit based on the goal and hypothesis that

supports its use. According to Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, Experiment is defined as

to do scientific test in which a series of actions are performed and carefully observing

their effects. On the other hand, Webster’s third new international dictionary defined

experiment as a tentative procedure or policy, one adopted is uncertainly as to whether

it will answer the desired purposes, it also includes an act or operation carried out under

conditions determined by the experimenter. Moreover, dictionary.com defined

experimental research as a study where the researcher undergoes of controlling certain

variables and manipulating others to observe if the results of the experiment reflect that

the manipulations directly caused the particular outcome. The research design

eliminates any factors that influence the outcome except for the cause being studied. All

other factors are controlled by randomization, investigator-controlled manipulation of the

independent variable, and control of the study situation by the investigator, including the

use of control groups.

The usability of the firearm examiner’s kit as well as its effectively in providing the

proper investigating procedure on the field of firearm management with the use of the

different instruments on the firearm examiner’s kit. The experiment involves research on

the qualities of the different instruments use on ballistic related cases in order to

determine which instrument on the firearm examiner’s kit should be use. The firearm

examiner’s kit with all the instrument to be use on the ballistics related cases greatly

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affect the result in giving the appropriate procedure on handling ballistic related

evidences to be collected and preserved.

Population and Locale of the Study

Respondents are chosen based on their experience, knowledge and skills

regarding Forensic Ballistics Examination. Since Forensic Ballistics is offered as a

course for criminology students, one of the respondents of this study is the head of the

Baguio crime laboratory because of technological adoptions nowadays, they have to

understand and evaluate more regarding these advancements in technology for they

are the ones who will benefit from this innovation product. Criminology students who are

currently enrolled on the specific subject are included. To gather more suggestions,

recommendations, evaluations and violent reactions, our adviser regarding this

innovative research from the University of the Cordilleras (UC) was included.

Methodology

The researchers used survey questionnaires as a gathering tool in assessing the

Firearm Examiner’s Kit usability and its functions in relation to police work and

educational purposes. Evaluation of its usability, durability and acceptability must be

established by answering the questions provided in the questionnaires is that simply

rates the level of usability, durability and acceptability from a scale of 1 to 4, being 4 as

the highest. 4 represents the answer of the respondents if they strongly agree, followed

by 3 if they agree, 2 if they disagree and 1 if the respondents decided to strongly

disagree or if they are unsatisfied. In-depth interviews which included both individuals

(one-on-one) and group interviewers which include both individuals and group

interviews were utilized by researchers to be able to probe and gather ideas, opinions,

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or suggestion about their interest and perceptions on the Firearm Examiner’s Kit as a

tool in Forensic Ballistic Examination.

In addition, to determine the performance of the device, the researchers

conducted surveys and used statistics, these were utilized to have an idea of what are

the advantages that are present and what are the components that must be charged or

improved. The comparison of ideas, opinions, suggestions and violent reactions of the

researchers from the respondents helped to the improvement and development of the

prototype to be used in Forensic Ballistic Examination. Moreover, the questionnaire-

checklist were used to gather the necessary information. In order to obtain information,

establish the content, reliability, credibility and validity of the questionnaire, students

who are currently enrolled in Forensic Ballistics as well as those who already have

finished, Forensic Examiner of BCPO Crime Laboratory and our adviser of the

University of the Cordilleras College of Criminal Justice Education who has

specialization in Forensic Ballistics Examination, interview was conducted.

Treatment of Data

To interpret the gathered data, problems were answered by the respondents by

giving them questionnaires.

The question were about what is the use of Firearm

Examiner’s kit on the examiner and to the students of Criminal Justice Education . The

respondents are properly

guided by the questionnaire prepared by the researcher’s from the respondents

through the questionnaires were properly tallied systematically after which scaled and

arrange based on the choices that were given by the researchers. The researchers

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were able to identify and contain the needs of The Firearm Examiner’s Kit, things that

will be lacking and component that need to be change on innovation product, its highest

contribution to the students and law enforcement even to the researchers regarding its

main purpose. Likert’s Scale was the tool used by the respondents to evaluate their

answers.

RESULTS AND DISUSSION

The following are the results and discussions derived from the study.

PERCEIVED CONCEPTS REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FIREARM

EXAMINERS KIT BY THE RESEARCHERS

During the day of interview, it was personally observed by the researchers that

the two faculties of the College of Criminal Justice Education were present and is willing

to participate. And then we started to conduct interview by giving them questionnaire.

On the first part of our questionnaire regarding the level of effectiveness of our product,

statement number one stating the firearm examiner kit effectiveness in achieving the

desired result our responder number one and two both answered “agree”. The second

statement regarding the safeness both responder answered “strongly agree.” The third

statement questioned regarding the helpfulness of firearm examiners kit in the

examination of ballistic examination such as examining bullet our responder number

one “strongly agree” while responder number two “agree.” The fourth statement

questioned about the easy use of the firearm examiner’s kit our responder number one

and two were both answered “strongly agree.” The last statement questioned about the

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weight of the firearm examiner’s kit is just right our responder number one and two both

answered “strongly agree”.

The second part of our questioning regarding the level of durability stating that

statement number one questioned about the firearm examiner’s kit is very durable our

responder number one answered “strongly agree” while responder number two

answered “agree.” The second statement questioned about the firearm examiner’s kit

can be used repeatedly our responder number one and two answered both “strongly

agree.” The third statement questioned if the firearm examiner’s kit does not corrode

after years of usage our responder number one answered “strongly agree” while

responder number two answered “agree.” The last statement questioned about the

firearm examiner’s kit accessories if still function even it is exposed to dust or dirt our

responder number one answered “strongly agree” while responder number two “agree.”

The third part of our questioning regarding the level of acceptability statement

number one stating that the firearm examiner’s kit is highly acceptable our responder

answered both “strongly agree.” The second statement questioned the design of the

firearm examiner’s kit if it is appropriate, the first responder answered “strongly agree”

while the second responder answered “agree”. The third statement questioned

regarding the weight of the firearm examiner’s kit if it is manageable, the first and

second responder both answered “strongly agree”. The fourth statement questioned

regarding the incorporation of equipment and accessories of firearm examiner’s kit if it is

strategic, the first responder answered “strongly agree” while the second responder

answered “agree”. And the last statement questioned is regarding the accessories or

equipment on the firearm examiner’s kit if they are positioned very well, the first

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responder “strongly agree” while the second responder answered “agree”. The last part

of our interview we asked our responder’s about their suggestion if there is, in order to

enhance our innovation product which is the firearm examiner’s kit.

QUESTIONNAIRE PROPER
The following are the indicators to measure the levels of effectiveness, durability and
acceptability. Put a check mark on the column of the code that best represents your
assessment.

A. LEVEL OF EFFECTIVENESS
STATEMENTS STRONGL AGREE DISAGRE STRONGLY
Y AGREE E DISAGREE
1. The Firearm
Examiner’s kit is highly
effective in achieving
the desired result.
2. The Firearm
Examiner’s kit is safe
to use.

3. There are proper

accessories in Firearm
Examiner’s kit that
helps in the
examination of Ballistic
Investigation such as
examining the bullet.
4. The Firearm
Examiner’s kit is easy
to use.

5. The weight of the

Firearm Examiner’s kit
is just right.

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B. LEVEL OF DURABILITY
STATEMENTS STRONGL AGREE DISAGRE STRONGLY
Y AGREE E DISAGREE
1. The Firearm
Examiner’s kit is very
durable.
2. The Firearm
Examiner’s kit can be
used repeatedly.

3. The Firearm
Examiner’s kit does
not corrode after years
of usage.

4. The Firearm
Examiner’s kit
accessories still
function even it is
exposed to dust or
dirt.

C. LEVEL OF ACCEPTABILITY
STATEMENTS STRONGLY AGREE DISAGREE STRONGLY
AGREE DISAGREE
1. The Firearm
Examiner’s kit is highly
acceptable.

2. The design of the

firearm Examiner’s kit
is appropriate.

3. The weight of the

firearm Examiner’s kit
is manageable.

4. The incorporation of
equipment and
accessories of firearm
Examiner’s kit is
strategic.
5. The accessories or
equipment on the
Firearm Examiner’s kit
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 are positioned very
well.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the conclusions and recommendations based on the

interpretation and analysis of data.

Conclusions

Based on the findings the following conclusions where drawn:

1. The firearm examiner’s kit can be used by firearm examiners or ballisticians in

conducting examination relating to criminal investigation in a more efficient way.

2. The firearm examiner’s kit is unique for it’s portability and durability. The

accessories or instruments for intact inside the examiner’s box wish can be

brought in any place whenever the examiner desires to bring it with them in order

to conduct examination on ballistic-related evidence. The firearm examiner’s kit is

made up of hard plastic which has the capability to stand in the damages that

can decimate the internal parts of the device. The firearm examiner’s kit can

withstand any moisture it encounters given by the surrounding because of the

durable characteristics of the hard plastic. All aspects of the firearm examiner’s

kit were considered by the researchers as it will aid the examiners in working

more efficiently.

3. The firearm examiner’s kit protect the instrument inside because of its hardness

that is advantageous to other kinds of toolbox. Moreover, in relation to level of

effectiveness, it is easy to manipulate or use because it does not involve any

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complicated operations. The overall appearance of the firearm examiner’s kit is

acceptable to respondents because of it’s properly well made box. And it’s weight

and size is also acceptable to the respondents as it is light and is easy to carry

around.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the conclusion the following recommendations are offered:

1. For enhancement purposes, the researchers consider that there instruments

in the firearm examiner’s kit available at the market that are better than the

one they used.

2. The firearm examiner’s kit may be improved through widening the space

inside the box because there are slots which are not utilized.

3. There are some instruments which could be added to the firearm examiner’s

kit such as bullet trajectory analyzer and portable stereoscope.

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 REFERENCES

Claridge, M. (2016) Introduction to Criminalistics,Canada: The Thomson Corporation.

Guevara, R. and Vinas, W. (2013) Criminalistics, Manila, Philippines: Wiseman’s

Book Trading, Inc.

King-oe, C. (2016) Notes on Forensic Ballistics, Unit 1-

2. (not published)

Manlusoc, A. (2016) Forensic Ballistics, Manila ,Philippines: Wiseman’s Book Trading,

Inc.

Milo, J. (2014) Notes on Questioned Document Examination. (not published)

Murray,J. (2015) Forensic Science , Los Angeles, California: The Norton Company.

Pecley, M. (2013) Firearms and Firearms Safety, Manila, Philippines: Wiseman’s

Trading, Inc.

Stalin, J. (2013) Gun Violence, New York: Peterson Printing Corporation, Inc.

Sarmiento, A. (2012) Forensic Ballistics, Manila, Philippines: Wiseman’s Book

Trading, Inc.

About forensics (2016) ‘understanding Forensic Ballistics’

[online], available: aboutforensic.com.uk/firearms-ballistics/ [accessed 15 June

2016]

Balintang Channel incident Report (2013) Taiwanese fishermen shooting incident,

available:

http://www.balintangchannelincidentreport.shooting-incident/2013//[accessed 9

July 2016]

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Doityourself (2016) ‘Benefits of Using Marine

Plywood,’available:http://www.doityourself/marine-plywood/benefits//[accessd 26

July 2016]

Federal Bureau of Investigation (2009) Forensic Ballistics Investigation, available:

http://www.fbi.forensic-ballistics-investigation/principles//

Forensic Sciences Simplified (2016) ‘Importance of Forensic Ballistics’ [online],

available:

http://www.forensicscienceimplied.orig/firearms/how.htm

[accessed 20 June 2016]

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers expressed their profound gratitude and their appreciation

because no part of their research would be possible without the following people who

contributed a lot in the success of this study:

To Almighty God who gave the researchers strength, courage and faith to strived

hard in pursuing this study until its completion:

To their families who supported and motivated the researchers and for always

being their and for all the words that brought out the best of them:

To Mrs. Leah M. Donato, the researcher’s adviser, for her endless support and

guidance, for pushing the researchers to explore until the edge, and gave her thoughts,

opinions, suggestions and insights for the success of this study:

To Prof. Chester D. King-eo, who helped and gave us guidance, suggestions and

advice, with an open arm and a smile, to make this research possible and who made

this study more understandable:

To Prof. Dario S. Guinayen who helped and gave us guidance, suggestions and

advice, with an open arm and a smile, to make this research possible and who made

this study more understandable:

To Dr. Ariel Nimo B. Pumecha, our college Dean, who gave his time to give his

suggestions and corrections to improve this research studies:

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 To all of our friends, co-students and other people who also gave their advices

and helped us to finish this study:

To all the afore-mentioned names, the researchers extend their deepest

gratitude.

LLA

BGE

KMD

WUT

ASB

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