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Ballistics and Toolmark Services

The Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI) provides expert forensic examination of firearms, ammunition, bullets, cartridge cases and toolmarks to support criminal investigations and court proceedings. Using validated forensic methods and specialised comparison techniques, our experts examine and interpret evidence to help establish links between firearms, ammunition components, tools and crime scenes.

Firearm Examination

  • Identification and classification of firearms.

  • Assessment of firearm condition, operability and mechanical function.

  • Examination for evidence consistent with discharge or attempted discharge.

  • Controlled test-firing, where appropriate.

Bullet and Cartridge Case Examination

  • Comparison of fired bullets and cartridge cases.

  • Assessment of whether a bullet or cartridge case may be linked to a particular firearm.

  • Examination and classification of ammunition and its components.

  • Assessment of calibre and ammunition type.

Toolmark Examination

  • Comparison of marks produced by tools and other instruments.

  • Examination of evidence from burglary, theft, and forced-entry investigations.

  • Assessment of whether a mark may have been produced by a particular tool.

Distance and Trajectory Analysis

  • Estimation of shooting distance, where suitable evidence is available.

  • Assessment of bullet paths, impact angles, and possible trajectories.

  • Support for the reconstruction and interpretation of shooting incidents.

Serial Number Restoration

  • Recovery of obliterated, erased, or altered serial numbers and other identifying marks on firearms and suitable metal objects.

Applications

Our services support:

  • Homicide investigations

  • Armed robbery investigations

  • Unlawful possession, use, and trafficking of firearms

  • Assault and shooting incidents

  • Burglary and forced-entry investigations

  • Crime scene reconstruction

  • Court proceedings

  • Expert reports and testimony

Homepage Service Card

Firearms & Toolmarks (Ballistics)

Provides scientific examination of firearms, ammunition, bullets, cartridge cases and toolmarks to help link evidence to firearms or tools, reconstruct shooting and forced-entry incidents and support criminal investigations and court proceedings.

RFI-Advancing Justice Through Science!!

Access Forensic Ballistics and Toolmarks Services Price List