Number	20860
Subject	Crime Labs
Source	Center for Investigative Reporting (San Francisco)
State	CA
Year	2003
Publication Date	February 3
Summary	This story investigated the validity of a forensics technique, comparative lead bullet analysis, that has been used by the FBI crime laboratory since the late 1960's. FBI scientists determine the trace metal profile of a lead slug and then compare bullet profiles. They found there was not a solid scientific backing for this technique and that new research indicates that the conclusions the FBI examiners drew about relationships between were, at best, unwarranted. There was never evidence to conclude that the fact that two bullets share similar trace element profiles means they are in some way connected, and there is now evidence against that conclusion. This is important because the technique is commonly used in murder cases where traditional ballistics cannot be used and, often where there is little evidence.
Category	Contest Entry
Pages	9
Keywords	forensics;FBI;crime lab;lead bullet analysis;FBI scientists;lead slug;FBI examiners;American Chemical Society;National Academy of Sciences;bullet lead;fingerprint analysis;Iowa State University;National Research Council;Middlesex County Superior Court;crime scene;FBI testimony;National Research Council;rifling-mark analysis
Related Links
Related Video
Contest Questionnaires	Only members can download contest entry questionnaires! Log in to get access.
Ordering info	Want to place an order? Email us or call us at 573-882-3364 (Stories are only available to members of IRE. For membership information, please refer to our membership page)