Application of High-Speed Video Recording in Solving Scientific and Practical Problems of Forensic Ballistics

Abstract

High-speed digital video cameras enable us to observe fast-flowing phenomena such as detonation, shot, and spark discharges; to visualize the stages of destruction and deformation; to produce accurate measurements of motion parameters, promoting improvement of the design characteristics for various products, revealing the nature of events and verifying scientific theories. High-speed video recording can visually complement the text of a scientific study or expert opinion, makes it possible to perceive processes and events, the presentation of which is difficult due to the significant volume of material or the complexity of its comprehension.The analysis of foreign publications and the experience of using a high-speed video complex in the Department of traceological and ballistic examination of the Russian Federal Centre of Forensic Science of the Russian Ministry of Justice shows that this type of video recording is a promising method of expert and scientific research, has an advantage over textual description, as well as traditional photo methods and video fixation, since it provides documentary filming, visibility, high accuracy and objectivity of information transmission. It also serves as a tool for solving scientific and practical problems, since it provides higher-level information that contributes to increasing the reliability and validity of the results obtained.

Keywords

• high-speed video
• shot
• firearm
• forensic ballistics
• forensic examination