Line-scan imaging for the positive identification of ballistics specimens

The identification of firearms from forensic ballistics specimens is an exacting and intensive activity performed by specialists with extensive experience. The introduction of imaging technology to assist the identification process of firearms has enhanced the ability of forensic ballisticians to analyse the specimens. This paper describes a development in the application of imaging technology for the identification of forensic ballistics specimens. Both the line-scan technique and the surface profiling technique have been applied to cylindrical ballistics projectiles to provide additional optical information for analyses. The combination of these two techniques will allow correlational data to validate the analysis of class characteristics and unique markings on forensic ballistics specimens.