The London Police Service in Ontario has been actively investigating the surge in gun-related incidents, which have reached 20 reported shootings in 2025. Law enforcement officials are dedicated to identifying the sources of illegal firearms and removing them from circulation. The Guns and Gangs Section of the London Police Service has been utilizing the Firearms Analysis and Tracing Enforcement (FATE) process to track the origins of 31 guns this year.
Detective Constable Craig Walsh, a forensic specialist, shared insights with CBC London on the intricate process of analyzing firearms. The forensic lab at the police station is equipped with advanced technology for examining weapons. Walsh emphasized the significance of DNA analysis in their investigations, highlighting how swabbing firearms for DNA can provide crucial leads, often uncovering DNA from multiple individuals.
Following DNA collection, Walsh focuses on gathering fingerprints from the firearms. By dusting the smooth surfaces of weapons with a fine powder and using a laser to reveal fingerprints, the investigators aim to match prints with potential suspects. Additionally, firearms leave unique marks on bullets and casings, which can be crucial in linking weapons to crime scenes through an international database search.
Detective Sergeant Jon Meinen from the Guns and Gangs Section mentioned that understanding the origins of firearms is pivotal in curbing gun-related activities in London. He revealed that a significant percentage of traced guns come from the United States, with a consistent trend in recent years. Meinen emphasized the role of forensic analysis in determining the manufacturing and selling history of firearms, underscoring the importance of disrupting the influx of guns into the city to reduce criminal gun activities effectively.
Detective Walsh also highlighted evolving criminal behaviors, such as the use of ghost guns and the avoidance of tampering with serial numbers. Despite challenges in tracing such weapons, forensic techniques like DNA and fingerprint analysis remain valuable tools in solving gun-related crimes. The ongoing efforts of law enforcement in forensic analysis play a vital role in ensuring public safety and combating illegal gun activities in London.
