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Use the database by either performing a Visual Search or Keyword Search as explained below ...
VISUAL SEARCH
This resource was designed based on visual search principals.
The visual search, consisting of several chronological steps, should be used in the following way:
- The assumption is that the user has a firearm in his/her possession that he/she is looking to identify;
- Identification is based on the visual characteristics of the firearm;
- The firearm will be compared to the images provided on the database;
- Choosing the resembling image will lead the user to the next level of identification; and
- Subsequently to an accurate identification of the firearm in his/her possession.
For example:
The weapon to be identified |
Database |
Step 1: |
The user has found this weapon on a crime scene:
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The user will need to answer the following basic questions:
- Is the weapon small in size?
- Is the firearm designed for use with one hand only?
- To which image does the firearm closely correspond?
- The user then needs to look at the images on the database and decide which category closely resembles the weapon in his/her possession and CHOOSE it.
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Step 2: |
Now the user will be confronted with further choices.
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The user is now expected to use the same visual identification principle to CHOOSE a specific category of firearm.
The images presented that will be presented are the following:
 
The user should now compare the firearm in his/her possession with these images and CHOOSE the image that most resembles the firearm in question. |
Step 3: |
The user is presented with several choices on this level:
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The user is now expected to use the same visual identification principle to choose a specific type of firearm.
At this level the visual characteristics of different types of firearms are more difficult to distinguish.
The images will be presented to the user are as follows:
Suggestion:
Read the short description beneath each image to assist you with making the correct choice of category.
CHOOSE the image that most closely resembles the firearm that requires identification. |
Step 4: |
Identify the image that most closely resembles the firearm that requires identification.
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Identify the image that most closely resembles the firearm that requires identification.
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If the VISUAL SEARCH was conducted appropriately then you will be able to accurately identify the firearm in question, and data on the calibre, country of origin, etc. will be available.
Should this not be the case, please send a description to the database administrator. You will be contacted in due course for more information to assist you with the identification of the firearm in your possession.
If possible:
- Photocopy or photograph the firearm in the following ways:
- Left side
- Right side
- Top
- Bottom
- Magazine (Left side)
- Magazine (Right side)
- Write down all the markings found on the weapon.
This will greatly assist with the identification of the specific firearm, which will then be added to the database.
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KEYWORD SEARCH
For the more advanced user a keyword search was incorporated in the design.
The keyword search is not designed to be a Boolean search; it is a simple text search.
For example:
If you should search:
The following results would be presented:
