DNA and Ballistics in Forensics-Handling Projectiles

At the scene of a crime, a crime scene investigator (CSI) must take great care not to damage or alter bullets that are found. Whether the bullets are extracted from a body in surgery or in an autopsy or from a floor at the crime scene, bullets must be handled with great care. For instance, a projectile can be altered when grabbed with a pair of surgical pliers or removed from within a tree, changing the ridge pattern and making it nearly impossible to find a match for the bullet to a suspected weapon.

Important trace evidence may be found on bullets. Fibers, paint, and other items may stick to the bullet as it travels through or bounces off walls, windows, bricks, or doors. Sometimes, this minute piece of evidence contains DNA in cases when CSI's find small quantities of flesh and blood.

These tiny particles can be crucial in solving a case or rebuilding the scene of a crime. For instance, a girlfriend may indicate that she has not heard from her boyfriend since he left town without notice and that she has no clue as to his whereabouts. In the meantime, friends and family may insist that he would not just disappear all of a sudden. If criminalists find traces of blood on a bullet extracted from a kitchen wall and the blood is consistent with DNA found on the boyfriend's toothbrush, criminal investigators may suspect foul play, and criminal charges may follow even without the presence of a body.

The next time your watch your favorite CSI TV program, you will understand why safeguarding the evidence is very important especially with bullets found at the scene of a crime.

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