Why might a firearms examiner receive clothing from detectives?
The correct answer and explanation is:
A firearms examiner might receive clothing from detectives for the purpose of analyzing gunshot residue (GSR). Gunshot residue can be deposited on a person’s clothing, skin, or hands when a gun is discharged. This residue consists of microscopic particles from the primer and propellant materials found in ammunition. Detectives collect clothing as evidence because it may contain traces of GSR that can link an individual to a shooting incident.
When a suspect is believed to have fired a weapon, their clothing can be examined for GSR to determine whether they were in proximity to the gun at the time of discharge. A firearms examiner can use various methods, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), to detect these microscopic particles. These tests allow forensic experts to identify specific elements like lead, barium, or antimony, which are commonly found in GSR.
Clothing may also be analyzed for bullet holes, gunpowder stains, or other evidence that could provide insight into how a shooting occurred. In cases where a victim has been shot at close range, their clothing can offer valuable forensic evidence about the distance from which the shot was fired, the caliber of the weapon used, and even the position of the shooter.
Additionally, firearms examiners might receive clothing to identify if the victim was wearing any protective garments or other items that could affect the outcome of a shooting (like bulletproof vests). In some instances, clothing might also be sent for DNA analysis or to trace any fibers that could link it to a suspect or crime scene.