Bulletproof Evidence?
The Forensic Investigation of Firearms Offences
About
This presentation provides an overview of the forensic investigation of firearms offenses, focusing on the three critical components of ballistics: internal, external, and terminal ballistics, and the examination of related scenes. Understanding these aspects is key in reconstructing the events of a shooting, identifying weapons, and identifying suspects.
Internal Ballistics refers to the study of what happens inside the firearm when a shot is fired and the resulting markings on the bullet or cartridge cases that might assist in identifying the weapon involved.
External Ballistics is related to the behaviour of projectiles in flight and can assist in establishing angles and trajectory, distance between shooter and target, and potential points of origin for shots fired.
Terminal Ballistics focuses on what happens when the bullet hits the target. Investigating how the bullet behaves on impact and the damage caused provides valuable insight into the nature of the weapon and ammunition used and the distance from which the shot was fired.
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
30 Oct 2026
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Organiser
- London Local Network
Registration information
If you wish to attend this lecture, please book a place on the IET website.
During the booking process you will have the opportunity to pre-book an optional lunch at Savoy Place. The cost for a two-course meal with wine is £27.60.
Reservations for lunch can be made up to 11pm on the Monday prior to the event (subject to availability).
Speakers
Isobel Colclough
Technical Assessor for Crime Scene Units
Isobel Colclough is a former Senior Crime Scene Investigator with Greater Manchester Police who has since taught on a range of Forensic Courses at the University of (Central) Lancashire and Cranfield University. She now works independently as a contracted Technical Assessor for the UK Accreditation Service, assessing operational Crime Scene Units around the UK, and providing training for a range of law enforcement and military forensic units in the UK and Internationally, while continuing to support Cranfield University as a Visiting Fellow and Registered Teacher. Originally graduating in Chemical engineering, she has a Masters in Fire Investigation, is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and has over 30 years’ experience in Forensic Investigation and related fields.
Reasons to attend
To learn the difference between forensic reality and what you see in TV and films.
Programme
This lecture is preceded by an optional lunch, which is served at 12.00, providing an opportunity to network with colleagues prior to the lecture.
14:00 – The lecture starts promptly at 14:00
14:45 approximately – Questions and discussion
15:30 - Networking time in the Faraday Centre.
Attendees should go to the Faraday Library reception on the 2nd floor.