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Start studying ballistics, firearms and tools. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. Judgement and knowledge of the expert.-number of lands and grooves, direction of twist and widths of them can eliminate certain makes.Integrated Ballistics Identification System: images of projectiles. Range of tools for professionals. AUTOMOTIVE / INDUSTRY. EXPERT - 2018 © - Legal notices Legal notices.
Ballistics Expert
Overview: | Ballistics experts test guns and spent bullets in criminal cases to prove guilt or innocence of crime suspects. They make microscopic comparisons between gun barrel flaws and the bullets found at a crime scene. They analyze bullet shots, angles and gun powder to determine their source. |
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Duties: | Ballistics experts examine bullets, bullet fragments, cartridge clips, gun powder stains, shot patterns and firearms evidence found at the scene of a crime or in a suspect's possession. They test fire weapons to determine if a specific weapon was used in a crime by microscopic comparisons of test bullets with bullets found at the crime scene. They conduct experiments with weapons to determine the location from which bullets were fired by studying the angle at which a bullet hit a person or an object. Ballistics experts prepare reports and testify in court as expert witnesses using artwork, photographs and examples of how a weapon was used by the suspect during the crime. |
Degree(s): | A.S./B.S. QCC/John Jay Dual/Joint Sciences for Forensics |
Job Outlook: | Employment in this field is projected to grow 14% or higher from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations. |
Salary Range (National Average): | $38,000 to $42,000 |
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Education Level: | Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation. |
Additional Training/Education: | A bachelor's degree in physics coupled with an interest and additional coursework in chemistry and criminal justice is the appropriate educational preparation for this occupation. An associate degree may qualify you for assistant positions. Specialized training programs in ballistics must also be completed which are offered by Federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and also in state crime laboratories. |
Advancement Info: | Advancement depends on experience and knowledge of forensic testing. Law enforcement agencies have designated levels for promotion. Technicians begin at a trainee level and advance as they gain skills. Experienced technicians can advance to lead worker or supervisor. Some may advance to an administrative position as director of a crime lab. A master's degree in criminalistics or forensic science may be required for administrative jobs. |
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* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .
* For New York salary data information .
* For New York green job information .
Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.
A ballistics expert is a type of forensic specialist who collects, studies, and analyzes evidence related to ammunition and firearms. When discussing this profession, the term 'ballistics' refers to the science and study of the trajectory of bullets and the distinctive characteristics apparent after they are fired. Many of these experts are employed by police forces, although they may also be hired by private agencies as well.
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Experts in ballistics have a variety of job responsibilities, but the essential duty is to analyze weapons and bullet remainders relating to crimes. An expert may examine firearms, spent shell casings, bullet fragments, or clips left at the scene of the crime in order to determine the make and model of a particular weapon. The set of techniques used to make this determination is called ballistic fingerprinting, and it uses the marks that a gun leaves on a bullet in order to match the ammunition to the particular firearm from which it was fired.
The knowledge of physics and trajectory is crucial for someone employed in ballistics. Using this expertise, a ballistics expert may analyze the crime scene and determine the probable distance and angle of the gunshot in order to ascertain where the shooter was standing. From where the bullet fragments are found, the he or she may reconstruct the path of the bullet using string or lasers to illustrate the bullet's trajectory.