June 9: Science of Crime – Firearms

Date: June 9, 2018

Time: 2-3 p.m. in the Goodman Room on the third floor

Cost: The program is free for Members or with admission
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Examining firearm markings to solve a crime.

Program Overview:

Forensic science is a complex discipline that encompasses more than a dozen distinct fields. Except for a few recent additions to the investigative tool kit such as DNA analysis and computer forensics, most fields trace their origins to the 19th century or before.

This program in the Science of Crime series explores the forensic scientist’s job examining firearms and tool marks in the investigation of a crime as well as how a team works with the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network.

Within most crime labs, scientists have highly specialized expertise. Unlike what is portrayed on television, it is rarely one individual who investigates the crime scene, processes the fingerprints, analyzes the DNA and examines the trace evidence. Instead, highly specialized experts focus on one field. This leads to more efficient and effective lab results.

Each month, The Mob Museum and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Forensic Laboratory will present an in-depth look at the disciplines and sciences that encompass forensic analysis.

Forensic Scientist Trainee Shandra Lynch

Shandra is a Forensic Scientist Trainee who has been with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Forensic Laboratory since November of 2017.  Prior to joining the Forensic Laboratory, Shandra worked with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as a Crime Scene Investigator for nearly 10 years.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Anthropology, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and a Master of Forensic Science Degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

The Firearms/Toolmarks Detail is responsible for firearms and tool mark examinations and the use of the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network or NIBIN database.

This program takes place in the Organized Crime Today exhibit on the Museum’s first floor.