Browsing by Author "Henwood, Bailey"

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    An assessment of a non-destructive magneto-optical imaging technique for the recovery of laser engraved marks from steel plates and firearm components
    (Elsevier, 2023-10-22) Henwood, Bailey; Helliker, Aimee; Hazael, Rachael; Hewins, Katherine
    The International Tracing Instrument (ITI) is a document adopted by United Nations Member States in 2005, which outlines challenges faced in the tracing of illicit weapons and offers suggestions to increase the success of tracing operations. A key provision of the ITI states that serial numbers must be recoverable if obliterated. This research, therefore, investigates two methods of recovering laser engraved marks on steel, due to the increase in firearms manufacturing relying on lasers to apply critical markings. This work uses 20 steel plates (CR4 grade), 6 AK-pattern rifle top covers, and a steel pistol slide to investigate the potential for visualising laser engraved marks. All samples had marks applied using a BWM-30F Fibre laser marking machine, in addition to any original manufacture’s stamped marks on the pistol. All marks were removed using a grinding belt (plates) and a Dremel® rotary tool (slide and top covers) to average depths of 1200 µm (stamped) and 240 µm (laser engraved). Recovery of the marks was attempted using two techniques to compare the two techniques in their ability to recover laser engraved marks; Regula Forensics® Eddy Current Recovery kit, followed by traditional Fry’s reagent. Both recovery techniques recovered 100 % (n = 6) of the stamped characters on the pistol slide, and 0 % (n = 509) of the laser engraved characters on the pistol, top covers and steel plates. Recommendations are made for forensic firearms examiners to avoid attempting the recovery of laser engraved marks using Fry’s reagent to preserve the integrity of evidence. It is also suggested that manufacturers avoid laser engraving unique identifying marks on firearms, and to use more permanent methods, such as stamping, to remain compliant with politically binding documents such as the ITI.
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    Ballistic impact of hollow-point ammunition on porcine bone
    (Wiley, 2023-05-06) Watson, Kayla E.; Henwood, Bailey; Hewins, Kate; Roberts, Andrew; Hazael, Rachael
    Identifying failure mechanisms in skeletal tissue allows a deeper understanding of the effects of specific projectile impacts on bone. While ballistic trauma in flat bones is largely researched, knowledge of how long bones react to gunshot impacts is limited in the literature. The impacts of deforming ammunition appear to produce higher levels of fragmentation; however, these have not been studied in depth. This study compares the damage to femora bone by HP 0.357 and 9 mm projectiles constructed with both full and semi-metal jackets. Impact experiments were undertaken on a single-stage light gas gun involving the use of a high-speed video camera and full reconstruction of the bones to ascertain fracture patterns occurring in the femora. Higher degrees of fragmentation are likened to the presence of semi-jacketed HP projectiles than jacketed HP projectiles. The observations of external facing beveled edges are believed to be associated with the increased separation of the jacket and lead core of projectiles. Additionally, experimentation has shown that the amount of kinetic energy lost postimpact is likely related to the presence or the absence of a metal jacket on an HP projectile. The observed data, therefore, suggest that the composition, rather than the configuration, of a projectile affects the type and extent of the damage.
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    Methodology to Support the Generation of Firearm Obliteration Profiles
    (Cranfield University, 2022-11-24T17:35:27Z) Henwood, Bailey
    It is commonly known that the removable of markings on a firearm can reduce the traceability by anonymising each weapon, however we do not currently have an understanding on how the location in which the obliteration is carried out may affect the type of obliteration observed. Data has been collected from 19 countries around the world including forensically advanced countries and conflict-afflicted countries, which are generally not forensically aware. To investigate the potential of regional obliteration trends, a methodology was created to support the identification of firearms obliteration trends seen around the world. Having an established methodology is critical to understand the prevalence of obliteration techniques in various regions. More than 800 small arms and light weapons (SALW) with obliterations will be analysed in an effort to build regional profiles. The techniques used may reflect the forensic awareness and technical capability in an area, while the profiles allow an obliteration reference database to be established.
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    Obliterated Firearms Markings Documented in an African Country
    (Cranfield University, 2023-01-05T12:40:29Z) Henwood, Bailey
    For the first time, a 'boots on the ground' approach has been taken to understand obliterations made to Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) recovered and documented in an African state, Country X. 126 firearms, primarily AK-pattern, were documented by Conflict Armament Research during a 10-year mission. These weapons were sanitised by local actors by removing identifying markings such as serial numbers and factory marks. Each obliteration was carefully analysed to determine the type of tool used by identifying the class characteristics of the toolmark, and to identify precisely which marks were removed. An obliteration code system has been developed, which identifies the tool type, completeness, marks removed, directionality, and any additional concealment. These codes have allowed to development of a database of obliterations and will, in turn, aid the intelligence-led investigation into the local forensic awareness, physical capabilities, and the motivation to obscure the SALWs identity. The results indicate that many of the weapons in each profile were likely sanitised by the same node-or were at least under the instruction of one common actor. This study also established that the forensic awareness within Country X is relatively low, as many of these marks may be recoverable using either traditional or novel means, if given the opportunity. The motivation for many of these weapons lies in the maintenance of monetary value, while concealing the identity to evade tracing efforts. This paper utilises a novel approach to understand weapon sanitisation in Country X, and how methods of obliteration can enhance further investigations in the region.
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    Obliteration Trends Around the World
    (Cranfield University, 2022-11-21T16:20:18Z) Henwood, Bailey
    In both conflict zones and criminal investigations, the identification of firearms used in the commission of crimes is critical. This allows the tracking of weapons from manufacturers and legal owners to illicit actors and unauthorised users. The forensic investigation of firearms used in the commission of crime, in any theatre, is often complicated by the removal of identifying features like serial numbers, factory marks and manufacturer logos. This presentation will outline differences in obliteration techniques across the globe, while also highlighting potential motivations to conceal the firearms identity from the outset.