NCJ Number
145244
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 41 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1993) Pages: 22-26
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The basics of physics, human anatomy, and physiology are vital to the practical application of wound ballistics by law enforcement professionals.
Abstract
Many factors that determine the effectiveness of bullets cannot be recreated on a computer or figured with a mathematical formula. Such factors include the size, weight, and mental state of the aggressor, as well as any mind- altering chemical substances that he or she may be using. Law enforcement personnel must understand the basics of wound ballistics when choosing a bullet. Permanent cavities are caused by the crushing effect of a bullet on tissues, and this makes handgun bullets effective; the larger the diameter and sectional area of a bullet, the more tissue it will damage. Temporary cavities are caused by tissue being thrown away from the path of an advancing bullet. When using a handgun, the primary way of incapacitating an aggressor is to produce rapid blood loss from major blood vessels and vital organs. An aggressor can also be incapacitated quickly by significantly damaging the central nervous system. This, however, is highly unlikely due to the fact that the police officer would have to shoot the aggressor in the spinal cord or cranial cavity, most likely under extreme stress and probably in less than ideal light conditions. Guidelines to facilitate proper bullet selection for handguns are offered. 5 references and 6 figures