All firearms and shell casings require submission of a request for which processing?

• A. DNA and latent processing
• B. Fingerprint processing
• C. Ballistics testing
• D. Chemical analysis

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is to maximize recovery of trace evidence from firearms and shell casings by submitting them for both DNA analysis and latent fingerprint processing. Firearms and their shells are common sources of latent prints that may not be visible to the naked eye, especially on metal surfaces. Specialized techniques—powders, chemical developers, or fuming—can reveal prints that connect a person to the weapon or to the scene. At the same time, these items can carry biological material left by someone who handled them—skin cells, sweat, or saliva—which can yield DNA profiles useful for identifying or excluding suspects and linking evidence to individuals.

Together, DNA and latent processing address two complementary types of evidence: who touched the item (fingerprints) and who touched it enough to leave genetic material (DNA). This combined approach increases the likelihood of obtaining usable evidence from firearms and shell casings. Ballistics testing and chemical analysis serve separate investigative purposes—matching projectiles or residues to a gun, or analyzing chemical traces—not the same evidence recovered through latent prints or DNA.