EFFECTIVENESS OF FORENSIC BALLISTICS IN SOLVING GUN RELATED CRIMES IN SELECTED MUNICIPALITIES AND CITIES IN QUEZON PROVINCE

ABSTRACT This study aims to determine the effectiveness of forensic ballistic in solving gun related crimes in selected municipalities and cities in Quezon province. The gathering of data was conducted in Lucena City Police Station, Pagbilao Municipal Police Station, Tayabas City Police Station, Lucban Municipal Police Station, Sariya Municipal Police Station, Candelaria Municipal Police Station, and Tiaong Police Station through descriptive research. A total of 50 Police Respondents who have knowledge about field investigation answered the survey questionnaire. Results revealed that proper collection, preservation and transportation of ballistics evidence will provide an effective result when effective techniques are applied. This implies that proper collection, preservation and transportation of ballistics evidence will ensure the reliability of the collected evidence which is essential for the solution of gun related cases. Meanwhile, the problems encountered by police investigators while performing field investigation regarding gun related crime include possible contamination and alteration of ballistics evidence. Bystanders serve as hindrance while performing field investigation. Forensic ballistics is limited only to those licensed / registered firearms and zip gun are not covered by this identification. Since collection, preservation and transportation of ballistic evidence plays an important role in the solution of gun related crimes, it is recommended that police investigators should continuously enhance their investigative capability by undergoing investigative courses especially in field investigation.