Acoustical Characterization of Gunshots

This paper addresses several practical and theoretical issues encountered in the analysis of gunshot audio recordings. Gunshot recordings have the potential for both tactical detection and forensic evaluation. Such recordings can provide information about speed and trajectory of the projectile, the estimated location of the shooter, and in some cases the type of firearm and ammunition used. However, audio recordings of gunshots typically contain background noise and reverberation due to the gunshot sound reflecting off and diffracting around nearby surfaces, and these effects may limit the reliability of the acoustic estimates. Recordings obtained under carefully controlled conditions are used to demonstrate several key features and limitations of acoustic gunshot analysis.