The sharing of ballistics data across Europe and neighbouring territories

Jeane Gerard, Rebecca Crookes, Sue Elliott, Mike Hellenbach, Thanos Stamos, Helen Poole, Erica Bowen

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    7 Citations (Scopus)
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    Abstract

    The current study explored the use of ballistic examinations and cross-border information sharing across 14 European countries. The presented data were collected using a mixed methods technique consisting of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires that were completed by participants. The results painted a very heterogeneous picture of the use of automated ballistic systems across these countries, as well as how ballistic analyses are integrated in the fight against gun-enabled crime. Three super-ordinates themes emerged from the thematic analysis: use of automated ballistic systems; Ballistic evidence recovery and analysis; knowledge exchange and best practices. The ability to draw firm conclusions regarding the value of ballistics comparison systems, either on a national or cross-border basis, is hampered by inconsistencies regarding data recording practices and definitions. Therefore, key recommendations are suggested to establish better cross border cooperation between member states and develop a better understanding of data sharing procedures.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)384-393
    Number of pages10
    JournalScience & Justice
    Volume57
    Issue number5
    Early online date1 May 2017
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2017

    Bibliographical note

    Publisher Statement: NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Science and Justice. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Science and Justice, [(in press) (2017)] DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2017.04.010

    © 2017, Elsevier. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

    Keywords

    • Firearm
    • Ballistic evidence sharing
    • European ballistic database
    • Open case file
    • Cross-border comparison

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