Helston Forensics

Forensic Ballistic Laboratories at Helston Factory

Forensic Question of the Month

Introduction

Forensic Archive Scenario 1. Scenario 2 Scenario 3

Scenario 4

An ex-soldier is found with a green military flare pack at his home. He claims he purchased it at a car boot sale. On examination the pack contains 3 live flare cartridges and one fired cartridge (pictured above). Has any offence for possession been committed?

Anna Lyzer

"I recall at the Forensic Science Service we had a policy of classifying them as Section 1 (signalling apparatus). Because the empty flare cartridge can be reloaded with .22 short or .22LR ammunition. i.e. ‘A lethal barrelled weapon’."

Lee N Field

"Dear Anna. How can it be a Section 1 firearm? It’s not a weapon, it is a pyrotechnic apparatus, “Signal Kit Pyrotechnic” gives it away. I know it says pistol but it is not a pistol. So in my opinion signalling flares are not firearms."

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