Archived | Firearms Examiner Training | Course Content

Photo of a lab coat, breathing mask, safety glasses, and rubber gloves — National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

The course content is comprised of core knowledge base content and accompanying resources. It is suggested that the safety section (located in Module 15 : Safety) be completed prior to any hands-on practical exercises.

Core

This program is designed for sequential progression from Module 1 through Module 14. However, this order may be customized by the trainer based on student requirements and individual laboratory guidelines. For example, some laboratories may prefer to complete Module 13 (Toolmark Identification) first as this is the general umbrella under which firearm examination is based.

For those who choose to customize the order, it is recommended that the following be considered when developing a training plan:

All trainers and trainees should begin with Module 1.
Module 2 may be completed at any time.
Modules 3, 4, and 5 should be completed sequentially before proceeding.
Modules 6 and 7 are prerequisites to Modules 8 13.
Module 10 is a prerequisite to Module 11.

The following shows suggested training program sequences for new examiners, examiners specializing in gunshot residue, and those interested in continuing education or newly hired experienced examiners.

New Examiner

Safety
1
6, 7
(3, 4, 5)
8, 9
(10, 11)
12
13
14

Examiners specializing in gunshot residue

Safety
1
(3, 4, 5)
6, 7
13
8, 9
(10, 11)
12
14

Newly hired experienced examiners or continuing education

Safety
1
(3, 4, 5)
6, 7
8, 9
(10, 11)
13
12
14
2

The core content of the Firearm Examiner Training Program is as follows:
Module	Title	Topics	Notes
1	Introduction to the Firearm Examiner Training Program	Using the training program Course content Trainee roles and expectations Trainer roles and expectations Introduction to e-Learning
2	History of Firearms Identification	Important aspects of the history of firearms identification
3	Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development	Evolution of propellants Evolution of firearms Ammunition	Modules 3, 4, and 5 should be completed sequentially. Successful completion required by all trainees .
4	Modern Firearms Manufacture	Metal forming operations Fine forming operations Rifled barrels Parts fabrication Cosmetic finish Assembly Final steps
5	Small Arms Ammunition	Components Projectiles Cartridge case manufacture Primer manufacture Assembly Centerfire ammunition Ballistic testing Shotshell assembly
6	Evidence Handling Procedures	Types of evidence Associative evidence The crime scene Evidence submission Laboratory evidence handling Case tracking within the laboratory Firearm and toolmark examination considerations	Modules 6 and 7 are prerequisites to Modules 8 - 13.
7	Equipment and Instrumentation	Measuring equipment Microscope equipment Digital support equipment Firing facilities	Modules 6 and 7 are prerequisites to Modules 8 - 13.
8	Examination of Firearms	Cycle of fire Handguns Long guns Examination Procedures	Modules 6 and 7 are prerequisites to this module.
9	Cartridge and Shotshell Examination	Identification process Fired case examination Unfired ammunition Case linkage	Modules 6 and 7 are prerequisites to this module.
10	Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles	Recovered bullets and projectiles Physical features of bullets Manufacturer determination General rifling characteristics Microscopic marks Fired shotshell components Examination of fired shotshell components	Modules 6 and 7 are prerequisites to this module. Module 10 is a prerequisite to Module 11.
11	Bullet Comparison and Identification	Criteria for identification Conclusions Bullet comparison Case linkage Casting	Modules 6 and 7 are prerequisites to this module. Module 10 is a prerequisite to this module.
12	Gunshot Residue/Distance Determination	Microscopic examination Chemical testing Distance determination	Modules 6 and 7 are prerequisites to this module.
13	Toolmark Identification	Tool manufacture Toolmark identification Protocols	Modules 6 and 7 are prerequisites to this module.
14	Communicating Results	Communication skills Report writing Courtroom testimony

Resources

In addition to the core content, several resources are included in this program:
Resource	Description
Safety	Safety information related to firearm and toolmark examination
Worksheets and Reports	Customizable templates: Examination Worksheets Examination Reports
Assessments	Assessment tool available for use as determined by the trainer
Quality Assurance
Ethics	A link to the AFTE Code of Ethics. This code is a guide to the ethical conduct of those working in the field of firearm and toolmark examination
Selected Bibliography	Selected writings used in the assemblage of the training program
Internet Links

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Date Created: July 6, 2023