James M. Gannalo - Stria Consulting Group

As a retired NYPD Detective and an Independent Forensic Consultant with twenty-five years of practical experience in the field of Firearms Identification, I've applied my skills and past experience as an independent examiner to assist attorneys and law enforcement agencies with firearms and shooting incident reconstruction related criminal and civil casework in addition to training dozens of individuals in firearms operability and microscopic analysis of ballistics evidence.

Additionally, as the president of the Stria Consulting Group, I've gathered together a team of highly experienced consultants and training coordinators who are also former members of the NYPD Crime Laboratory sharing many years of experience in a variety of forensic fields. Each associate has been recognized as an expert in their fields and have been court qualified in a number of different jurisdictions.

This forensic consulting group continues to provide professional assistance to federal agencies, police departments, prosecutors and defense attorneys in criminal cases, civil litigation and forensic training issues in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Arkansas, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Maryland, Mississippi, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, and Florida.  

Please click on the link listed to the left for the Stria Group Members to view the names of the consultants in the group including a brief listing of their qualifications.  A more complete listing of the training and experience of these extremely talented individuals will be made available upon request.

Click on Stria Training Courses to view upcoming training opportunities offered by members of the group. Our courses continue to be used by a variety of police agencies, prosecutor and defense groups, laboratory examiners and scientific organizations as a valuable source of forensic training. Additionally, this page lists a number of past training courses that may fit your needs that can certainly be made available upon request.

Areas of Expertise:

Firearms Operability Examination - determination that a particular firearm is readily capable of discharging a live cartridge. Related examinations can include trigger-pull determination, evaluation of a weapon's safety mechanism, determining unsafe alterations made to the firearm and an appraisal of the overall condition of the weapon.

Microscopic Analysis of Ballistic Evidence - visual assessment of firearm related toolmarks using a comparison microscope to evaluate an agreement or disagreement of class and individual characteristics. Bullets, bullet fragments, cartridge cases and live ammunition can be examined and evaluated using this scientific method.

Shooting Incident Reconstruction - use of precise measurements, digital imaging, bullet damage assessment and crime scene sketches to reconstruct shooting incidents. This can be used by both the prosecution and defense in cases where questions are raised as to the actual location of the person discharging a firearm or when witness statements fail to coincide with the physical evidence. 

Laser Trajectory Analysis of Bullet Paths - use of a portable scientific laser and inclinometer to determine the direction and angle of a bullet's flight. This method is also used to accurately determine the origin of a gunshot.

Gunshot Residue Distance Determination - creating and analyzing test specimens to illustrate the approximate distance a firearm was discharged from an individual. This test can produce crucial evidence when assessing the validity of witness statements.

Operability and Microscopic Report Review and Evaluation - professional review of case notes, case files and scientific reports relating to firearms operability and conclusions based on  microscopic examination. This is also utilized as an assessment of methodology and procedures relating to established laboratory protocols.

Trial Preparation and Presentation - working in partnership with attorneys to best present a case for trial using available case reports and witness statements. Cases have been won and lost based on the amount of pre-trial preparation.

Expert Witness Testimony - providing expert testimony to articulate scientific conclusions based on accepted methodology. Knowledgeable firearm examiners base their testimony on practical experience, training and knowledge of firearms identification.

Witness Interviews and Witness Statement Evaluation - supporting a case attorney by assessing submitted witness statements during interviews and depositions. Witness statements, provided to investigators, during deposition or at trial, can be crucial to the outcome of a case. Careful analysis of witness statements are an integral part of case presentation.