FIREARMS ANALYSIS UNIT

The Firearms Analysis Unit (FAU) provides technical expertise in the analysis and interpretation of firearms related evidence for the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the forensic community.

The examination of firearms, discharged bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun shells, and ammunition of all types is conducted by the firearms unit. Serial number restorations are performed using various physical and chemical methods. Garments are microscopically examined to detect firearm discharge residues (GSR) and to approximate the distance from a target at which a weapon was fired.

The results of these microscopic comparisons and chemical evaluations and are summarized in written reports and presented in courtroom testimony.

Firearm criminalists are available for call out on special cases involving officer-involved shootings as well as other shooting cases as needed to provide technical crime scene assistance and expertise in the projectile path analysis, reconstruction and collection of firearms related evidence.

The FAU also maintains an Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS), which can link unrelated crimes through the input of firearm evidence into a national ballistics database.

The Unit routinely provides forensic services for local, state and federal agencies. Training seminars are provided for investigators, attorneys and other forensic specialists.