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Science of Firearm-Toolmarks Identification

This week-long class is designed for currently qualified and practicing firearms and toolmark examiners who seek additional training in the fundamental scientific principles guiding firearms/toolmark identification. Through lecture, class discussion, and practical exercises involving comparison microscopy, students will be exposed to a variety of topics including Daubert hearing strategies; decision-making criteria for identifications, no conclusions, and exclusions; details on calculating and interpreting error rates; and proper validity study design. Students will participate in blind tests involving items marked by consecutively manufactured tools; and will each undergo a brief but rigorous moot court in which they will be asked many questions typical of a Daubert hearing.

Students will be provided with CD-ROMs of materials currently used by the FBI Laboratory Firearms-Toolmarks Unit in Daubert presentations. Because this course is an evolution of the previously offered Techniques in Firearms Identification, those who have previously taken that course should not apply for this course. Only candidates who have completed their firearms and toolmark training and are currently qualified will be considered.

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