What We Do

Examine firearms, ammunition, target surfaces and related evidence found at crime scenes and during search warrants. For example, bullets and cartridge cases are examined to determine how many firearms may be represented.

Services

  • Determine the mechanical condition of a firearm, measure muzzle velocities, and establish if a weapon can be classified as a “non-restricted”, “restricted” or a “prohibited” firearm.

  • Compare fired bullets and fired cartridge cases to other criminal investigations to determine if linkages exist between occurrences.

  • Determine the trajectory of a fired projectile by analyzing the bullet impact site at the crime scene or in the laboratory.

  • Determine the muzzle to target distance by examining firearm discharge residues.

Update to case submission guidelines

Please note that effective July 1st, 2022, the Centre of Forensic Sciences, Physical Sciences Section will no longer accept cases for toolmarks examination. Any cases accepted prior to July 1st, will be completed.

Additional Information

Technical Information Sheets

Submission Packaging Guidelines for SFI and RAISE Cases

Firearm Instructional Videos

The Canadian Integrated Ballistics Identification Network (CIBIN), maintained by the RCMP, is an important investigative tool for investigators. Information from bullets and cartridge/shotshell cases acquired on the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) in the laboratory is sent to the national server in Ottawa to assist police agencies in linking crime scenes, or crime scene items to firearms. In relevant cases, this information can be searched on an international level, against the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) in the United States, to identify possible linkages.