THE PROBLEM OF SUBCLASS CHARACTERISTICS WHILE EXAMINATION OF REDESIGNED FLARE GUNS

Abstract

In the process of cartridge case forensic identification common and separate (individual) characteristics are distinguished. Common characteristics are typical for a certain construction/model of firearms and are used for identifying the cartridge case group affiliation. Individual characteristics are random and are used for determining identity. Subclass characteristics appear at the stage of mechanical processing of the firearms’ parts. Therefore, the same marks can be observed on a few parts, which were consequently processed by the same tool. Lack of knowledge on the differences between individual and subclass characteristics may result in wrong conclusions as to identity. The article purpose is to acquaint ballistic forensic experts with the problem of subclass characteristics, mechanism of their occurrence and the ways for their determination. The mechanism of subclass characteristics occurrence and the characteristics on the basis of which we can determine that the examined characteristic is individual or subclass are discussed. The main examples of subclass characteristics, such as lands and grooves, arches, circles for which the width, depth and relative position of each element coincide, were given. The peculiarities of scene which allow to determine the individual characteristics among subclass characteristics are presented. Such features include the presence of irregularities along the lands and grooves, which make up the subclass feature, the cross section of the lands and grooves, etc. The possibility of identifying subclass characteristics is illustrated by the real case from forensic practice while redesigned flare gun examination. The article highlights the need regarding the ability to determine subclass characteristics and the influence of such characteristics on the possibility of drawing up a conclusion as to identity.