RO Forensic Science & Analysis 3

Question 1

What type of wound characteristic indicates a close-contact or contact gunshot wound?

Accepted Answer

Soot deposition, stippling, and muzzle contusion around the entry wound

Answer

At contact or near-contact range, burning gases and unburned powder produce soot, tattooing (stippling), and muzzle stamp marks on the skin.

Question 2

In forensic ballistics, what is a 'comparison microscope' used for?

Accepted Answer

Viewing two bullets or cartridge cases simultaneously side-by-side to match striations

Answer

A comparison microscope optically links two stages so examiners can directly compare tool marks on bullets or cases to determine if they came from the same firearm.

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary concern when collecting lead bullet fragments from a berm for forensic analysis?

Accepted Answer

Cross-contamination between rounds from different incidents must be prevented by segregating collection areas

Answer

Berms accumulate rounds from many different shooters and incidents, so precise location marking and separate packaging are critical to avoid cross-contaminating evidence.

Question 4

What information does a breech face impression on a fired cartridge case provide investigators?

Accepted Answer

Individual tool marks unique to a specific firearm's bolt or slide face

Answer

Machining marks on the breech face are transferred to the case head upon firing and are sufficiently unique to identify a specific firearm.

Question 5

When a range officer must preserve a shooting position as an incident scene, which action is MOST important?

Accepted Answer

Establish a perimeter, prevent access, and notify law enforcement before touching anything

Answer

Establishing a perimeter and notifying law enforcement preserves scene integrity; any alteration before investigators arrive can compromise the forensic value of the scene.

(RO) Certified Range Officer Practice Test

(RO) Certified Range Officer Practice Test

RO Forensic Science & Analysis 3