London, Ontario has experienced a surge in reported shootings, with the tally reaching 20 in 2025. Law enforcement is intensifying efforts to track down the source of illegal firearms and remove them from circulation. The Guns and Gangs Section of the London Police Service (LPS) has identified the origins of 31 guns this year through the Firearms Analysis and Tracing Enforcement (FATE) procedure.
Officials from the police force provided CBC London with insights into the initial stages of the process and how investigators gather information about gun ownership and the firearms’ origins.
DNA, prints, and human evidence
Upon receiving a firearm at the Forensics Identification Section lab, Det. Const. Craig Walsh, a forensic specialist, promptly begins searching for clues. While the lab is equipped with advanced technology, Walsh starts by focusing on DNA analysis, which plays a crucial role in forensic investigations. Using a moistened cotton swab, he collects DNA from the textured areas of the firearm to detect skin cells, bodily fluids, or other DNA sources.
After sending the swab to the Centre for Forensic Science in Toronto, it is common to find DNA from multiple individuals, providing valuable leads for potential arrests and weapon confiscations. Following DNA collection, Walsh turns his attention to fingerprints, as they often offer key evidence of firearm handling.
By using a fine powder to dust the smooth surfaces of the gun, Walsh reveals fingerprints that are invisible to the naked eye. A laser is then employed to uncover perfect fingerprints, which can be compared to those in the RCMP national database for potential matches.
Distinctive firearm imprints
Besides human fingerprints, firearms themselves bear unique identifiers, according to Walsh. Using the indoor shooting range at LPS, Walsh fires a gun to capture the gun’s fingerprint on the bullets and casings. These distinct marks left by firing pins and barrel grooves are crucial in matching firearms to crime scenes through an international database.
Evolution of Criminal Tactics
According to Walsh, criminal behavior involving weapons evolves over time, necessitating adaptability in forensic techniques. An emerging concern is the use of ghost guns, 3D-printed weapons lacking traditional serial numbers. Despite the challenges in tracing them, DNA and fingerprints can still provide valuable leads. Criminals are increasingly opting for unaltered store-bought handguns, possibly due to awareness that tampering with serial numbers can be detected by law enforcement.
Det. Sgt. Jon Meinen highlights the direct impact of forensic work on field operations, emphasizing the successful identification of gun origins and sales history. The majority of traced firearms, 76% this year, originate from the United States, with strong ties to gang and drug-related activities. Meinen stresses the importance of preventing the influx of guns into London to curb gun-related incidents.