SUGGESTIONS ON AMENDING THE METHODOLOGY OF ESTABLISHING THE OBJECT BELONGING TO FIREAREMS AMMUNITION AND ITS SUITABILITY FOR FIRING

Abstract

The article considers structural features of certain types of cartridges in relation to firearms, as well as non-combat cartridges, auxiliary cartridges and products that are structurally similar to cartridges, which are submitted for research as part of forensic firearm examination, especially in connection with the ongoing war in Ukraine, occupation of part of its territory and as a result with mass distribution of illegal weapons and ammunition in Ukraine. The article outlines problematic issues of dismantling cartridges in relation to small arms of large caliber, cartridges loaded with special bullets, particular types of silent bullets, non-combat cartridges. The article also highlights issues of optimizing actions of a forensic expert while research, the objects of which are products that are structurally similar to small arms cartridges, but loaded with propellants, pyrotechnic mixtures, poisonous substances, along with products that coincide with small arms cartridges in size and partially in design. Backlog of approaches incorporated in the current methodology for researching ammunition is identified in the article and practical need for updates and additions is actualized. Proposals were raised to amend the Methodology aimed at increasing safety of forensic firearm examinations, regulating actions of a forensic expert in deciding on dismantling cartridges. It is suggested to use modern devices for reloading cartridges in forensic practice to provide a better and safer research. A procedure for a forensic expert course of action while study of cartridges which are sent for forensic examination in a single copy to minimize the impact on both the object under study and its components, is proposed.