NCJ Number
69100
Journal
Forensic Science International Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: (MAY/JUNE 1980) Pages: 259-264
Date Published
1980
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE CALIBER DESIGNATION OF THE PARENT CARTRIDGE FROM THE WEIGHT AND DIAMETER OF A FIRED BULLET IS PROPOSED.
Abstract
THE DCM MICROSYSTEM 1121 WITH A NUMERIC PRINTER AND A MAGNETIC CARD RECORDER IS USED TO COMPILE WEIGHTS AND DIAMETERS OF BULLETS LOADED IN CARTRIDGES OF DIFFERENT CALIBER DESIGNATIONS. THE SYSTEM'S SEARCH PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO PRINT OUT DIAMETER/WEIGHT AND THE CORRESPONDING CALIBER DESIGNATION WHICH MATCH DATA, WITHIN CERTAIN LIMITS, THAT ARE FED INTO THE SYSTEM. THIS SYSTEM, WHICH IS IN USE AT THE CENTRAL FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY IN CALCUTTA, INDIA, IS REGARDED AS A STEP FORWARD IN AUTOMATING FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION. THE ONLY LIMITATION OF THE SYSTEM IS THAT IT CANNOT PRODUCE A RELIABLE CALIBER DESIGNATION IF THE DIAMETER AND WEIGHT OF THE EVIDENCE BULLET CANNOT BE CORRECTLY MEASURED BECAUSE OF DEFORMATION OR FRAGMENTATION. HOWEVER, SUCH INSTANCES ARE RARE AND FORM A SMALL PROPORTION OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION CASES. TWO REFERENCES, TABLES, AND FLOW CHARTS ARE PROVIDED.