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SWGGUN Training
Guidelines
SWGGUN
Subcommittee Proposals
Recommended Guidelines for Developing a Training Manual
The scientific working group maintains the view that
individual laboratories should be afforded the freedom to
formulate their own training programs. This outline is offered
to help guide in the development of a forensic firearm and
toolmark training program by providing elements that are
considered essential or recommended.
These training guidelines have been divided into four
discrete, though overlapping areas of consideration.
Individual subcommittees were established to provide initial
drafts which were then reviewed by the entire attending body
of SWGGUN.
I. New Examiner Training Guidelines
Sub-Committee members: Bill Morris, Ed Robinson, Bob Shem,
John Finor, Glenn Deobald, Bruce Moran
II. Forensic Science Technician/Laboratory Aid (FST/LA)
Sub-Committee members: Carlo Rosati, Greg Scala, James Cadigan,
Jim Carr
III. NIBIN Technicians Training Guidelines
Sub-Committee members: Todd Reynolds, Mickey French, Beth
Gillis
IV. Continuing Education
Sub-Committee members: Pete Striupaitis, Ron Marrs, Bob
Levine, Arnie Esposito, Loren Sugarman
SWGGUN Subcommittee Proposals
Recommended Guidelines for Developing a Training Manual
I. New Examiner Training Guidelines
1.1 Scope and Use
Laboratory directors are responsible for training and
evaluating staff members. A well designed training program
should provide the information upon which a competent decision
concerning an examiner's qualifications can be made. A
training program should allow for modification so as to suit
the particular needs of the agency and the trainee. It should
provide for regular and frequent evaluation through written
and practical examinations, and provide adequate documentation
of the trainee's progress. With these considerations in mind,
the following guidelines for establishing a training program
are offered.
1.2 Evaluation and Assessment
Initial evaluation and assessment of the trainee should be
conducted.
1.2.1 A review of previous education, training, and experience
will help to establish a baseline for and tailor the program
to the needs, strengths and weaknesses of the trainee.
1.3 Modular Program
The modular concept provides a great deal of flexibility in
customizing the training program.
1.3.1 Modular training programs with regular progress reviews
1.3.2 Ability to eliminate modules based on documented prior
training and experience.
1.3.3 Provides for more efficient expenditure of time and
resources.
1.4 Testing
Testing evaluates the trainee's grasp of the subject matter
and any need for remedial training.
1.4.1 Written assessment and testing at the end of each
module. Documentation of the completion of a module should be
prepared and evaluated before the trainee moves to the next
module.
1.4.2 Practical competency testing with pass/fail grading.
1.4.3 Competency testing should be reality based and evaluate
the trainee's ability to examine representative evidence
samples.
1.4.4 A comprehensive final examination will demonstrate the
trainee's ability to integrate all of the elements required to
perform actual casework.
1.5 Oral Boards
Technical oral boards can be used to evaluate the trainee's
verbal ability to explain the concepts presented in a
particular module.
1.6 Moot Courts
Moot courts provide exposure to the stress of the adversarial
trial and provide a means of evaluating the trainee's
knowledge and verbal skills
1.7 External Training
Opportunities to visit laboratories, manufacturing plants, and
museums should be afforded the trainee. Membership in forensic
organizations and attendance at forensic meetings should be
encouraged.
1.8 Research paper
The trainee should be encouraged to prepare a research paper
suitable for publication or presentation.
1.9 Administrative Guide
An administrative guide is designed to document all training
and to provide evidence to certify a trainee as qualified to
perform firearms and toolmark examinations.
1.10 Resource
1.10.1 The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners
(AFTE) Training Manual is one example of a resource that meets
these criteria.
II. Forensic Science Technician/Laboratory Aid (FST/LA)
2.1 Scope and Use
The Forensic Science Technician/Laboratory Aid (fst/la)
assists a court qualified firearms and toolmark examiner in
the handling, preparation and examination of evidence. Each
individual laboratory will determine the extent of the
technician/aid’s involvement. The fst/la differs from a court
qualified firearms and toolmark examiner in that he/she works
under the direction of the examiner and does not render
written opinions and/or conclusions regarding identifications
or exclusions of physical evidence.
This document is not intended as a complete training program
but to provide the fst/la with the basic knowledge and skills
required to become a productive and competent addition to the
discipline. Laboratories should ensure that adequate time and
resources are devoted to properly train the forensic
technician.
2.1.1 At the completion of this course the FST/LA may be able
to perform the following:
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Receive and return evidence for the Firearm and Toolmark
section
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Recognize and document physical evidence
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Correctly and accurately document worksheets and/or notes
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Prepare solutions, reagents and testing materials required
for casework
-
Perform firearms safety checks
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Test fire firearms safely
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Disseminate appropriate information to authorized agencies
as directed
2.2 Management Responsibilities
The fst/la should have clear written job descriptions. The job
descriptions would include responsibilities, duties and skills
commensurate with their position.
2.2.1 Have a documented training program for all fst/la to
include competency test(s).
2.2.2 Encourage and support fst/la to participate in
continuing education such as reading current discipline
literature, visiting relevant manufacturing facilities,
attending relevant training courses, professional seminars and
meetings as well as observation of courtroom testimony.
2.2.3 Maintain records documenting the relevant education,
training, skills and experience of fst/la.
2.3 Evidence Handling
The fst/la should be trained in the laboratories evidence
control system to ensure the integrity of the physical
evidence. Elements in this training should ensure that:
2.3.1 Evidence is appropriately sealed and marked for
identification.
2.3.2 A chain of custody record for all evidence is
maintained.
2.4 Operational Procedures
The fst/la should be instructed in procedures for all expected
duties in the laboratory. Some of the appropriate duties may
include, but not be limited to:
2.4.1 Reagent and standards preparation
2.4.2 Ordering laboratory supplies and ammunition
2.4.3 Maintaining standard ammunition file
2.4.4 Maintaining firearms reference collection
2.4.5 Instrument maintenance and calibration
2.4.6 Firearms safety checks
2.4.7 Evidence audits, call screening and other physical
support (i.e. faxing, copying and mailing)
2.4.8 Give tours
2.5 Competency Testing
Competency testing pertains to fst/las engaged in the
disciplines of firearms and toolmarks. The laboratory shall
have and follow a written program of competency testing.
2.5.1 Test samples should be of sufficient numbers to ensure
competency in each area of assignment.
2.5.2 The following records for competency tests shall be
maintained and include:
5.2.1 Test identifier
5.2.2 Identity of the employee
5.2.3 Dates of receipts, analysis, and return for each test
5.2.4 Copies of results and all data and case documentation
5.2.5 Results of review by appropriate individual(s)
5.2.6 Corrective action, if necessary
2.6 Administrative Guide
An administrative guide is designed to help document all
training and to provide evidence to certify a trainee as
qualified to assist in firearms and toolmark examinations.
III. NIBIN Technicians Training Guidelines
3.1 Scope and Use
Laboratory directors are responsible for training and
evaluating staff members. A well designed training program
should provide the information upon which a competent decision
concerning a NIBIN technician’s qualifications can be made. A
training program should allow for modification so as to suit
the particular needs of the agency and the trainee. It should
provide for regular and frequent evaluation through written
and practical examinations, and provide adequate documentation
of the NIBIN technician’s progress. With these considerations
in mind the following guidelines for establishing a training
program are offered.
3.2 Evaluation and Assessment
Initial evaluation and assessment of the NIBIN technician
should be conducted.
3.2.1 A review of previous education, training, and experience
will help to establish a baseline for and tailor the program
to the needs, strengths and weaknesses of the NIBIN
technician.
3.3 Modular Program
The modular concept provides a great deal of flexibility in
customizing the training program.
3.3.1 Modular training programs with regular progress reviews
3.3.2 Ability to eliminate modules based on documented prior
training and experience.
3.3.3 Provides for more efficient expenditure of time and
resources.
3.4 Testing
Testing evaluates the NIBIN technician’s grasp of the subject
matter and any need for remedial training.
3.4.1 Written assessment and testing at the end of each
module. Documentation of the completion of a module should be
prepared and evaluated before the NIBIN technician moves to
the next module.
3.4.2 Practical competency testing with pass/fail grading.
3.4.3 Competency testing should be reality based and evaluate
the NIBIN technician’s ability to examine representative
evidence samples.
3.4.4 A comprehensive final examination will demonstrate the
NIBIN technician’s ability to integrate all of the elements
required to perform actual casework.
3.5 Oral Boards
Technical oral boards can be used to evaluate the NIBIN
technician’s verbal ability to explain the concepts presented
in a particular module.
3.6 Moot Courts
Moot courts provide exposure to the stress of the adversarial
trial and provide a means of evaluating the NIBIN technician’s
knowledge and verbal skills.
3.7 External
Training
Opportunities to visit laboratories, manufacturing plants, and
museums should be afforded the trainee. Membership in forensic
organizations and attendance at forensic meetings should be
encouraged.
3.8 Research paper
The NIBIN technician should be encouraged to prepare a
research paper suitable for publication or presentation.
3.9 Administrative Guide
An administrative guide is designed to document all training
and to provide evidence to certify a NIBIN technician as
qualified to perform NIBIN examinations.
4.0 Resource
4.00.1 The
following is an example of a modular training program which
might be used.
1.0 Introductory Material:
1.1 Administrative orientation
1.2 General Laboratory Safety Training
1.3 Familiarization of Laboratory and Department Policies and
Procedures.
1.4 General evidence handling instruction.
2.0 Firearm Safety and Operation:
This block of instruction will focus on:
2.1 The general safety on the firing range, in the laboratory
range environment, and in any other areas that a firearm may
be encountered.
2.2 The different types of firearm actions will be studied.
2.3 The NIBIN technician will be expected to read literature
and publications pertaining to firearm actions.
2.4 The NIBIN technician will be expected to demonstrate
he/she can safely operate firearms of all types (actions).
2.5 Exposure to unsafe firing conditions and the use of remote
firing devices.
3.0 Operation of Laboratory Equipment:
This block of instruction will focus on the operation of the
laboratory equipment, which will be used during the duties of
the NIBIN technician.
3.1 The NIBIN technician will be expected to read the
instruction manuals of the instruments to be used.
4.0 Ammunition:
This block of instruction will focus on all types of firearm
ammunition and their components (casings, primers, powder, and
projectiles).
The NIBIN technician will be expected to read literature and
publications pertaining to firearm ammunition.
4.1 The NIBIN technician will be expected to demonstrate
he/she can identify and characterize ammunition and
components.
4.2 Study of headstamps on cartridges
5.0 Test firing Procedures:
This block of instruction will focus on the test firing of
firearms for entry into the ballistic imaging system.
5.1 The NIBIN technician will be expected to observe and then
demonstrate proper procedure when test firing in all
laboratory conditions.
6.0 Comparison of Fired Casings:
This block of instruction will focus on the comparison of test
fired and evidence firearm casings. The marks on fired
cartridge casings will be explored and an understanding of
class and individual characteristics will be studied.
6.1 The NIBIN technician will be expected to read literature
and publications pertaining to firearms comparisons.
6.2 The NIBIN technician will be expected to demonstrate
he/she can identify class and individual, reproducible and
recognizable characteristics on fired casings (firing pin,
breechface marks, extractor and ejector marks).
6.3 The NIBIN technician will observe actual comparisons
conducted by firearm examiners.
7.0 Comparison of Bullets:
This block of instruction will focus on the comparison of test
fired and evidence bullets. The marks on fired bullets will be
explored and an understanding of class and individual
characteristics will be studied.
7.1 The NIBIN technician will be expected to read literature
and publications pertaining to firearm and bullet comparisons.
7.2 The NIBIN technician will be expected to demonstrate
he/she can identify class and individual, reproducible and
recognizable characteristics on fired bullets.
7.3 The NIBIN technician will observe actual bullet
comparisons conducted by firearm examiners.
8.0 NIBIN Computer System:
Representatives of the developer of NIBIN will conduct this
training. It will focus on the computer system and data entry
and retrieval from the system.
8.1 Study of the “Glossary of Terms” in the NIBIN manual.
8.2 Understand and be capable of differentiating between 2 and
3 dimensional images
8.3 Includes entry of images and data into the system,
retrieval of images and data and correlations of images
entered
IV. Continuing Education for Trained Examiners
4.1 Scope and Use
Firearm and toolmark examiners need to maintain an appropriate
level of knowledge concerning the many aspects of firearm and
toolmark examination. Emphasis should remain in place for
continuing education throughout an examiner’s career.
The tools and techniques involved in firearm/toolmark
component production and forensic analysis are continuously
evolving. The trained firearm and toolmark examiner needs to
remain aware of new product developments and should keep
informed about research, new methods and changing technology
in order to enhance effective examination and comparison of
evidence. Firearm and toolmark examiners should work to
develop and maintain professional contacts within the
discipline.
Several continuing education resources are recommended to the
firearms and toolmark examiner to maintain a technical
awareness within the profession. These may include:
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participation in professional organizations
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specialized training programs
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armorer’s schools
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industry trade shows
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manufacturers tours
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laboratory tours
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internal laboratory training
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college coursework, such as graduate or continuing education
programs in forensic science
4.2 Professional Organizations
Firearm and toolmark examiners should be encouraged to join
and participate in professional organizations that improve
their fields of expertise. Professional organizations may
include but are not limited to:
4.2.1 The Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE)
4.2.2 Regional firearms and toolmark meetings
4.2.3 Other identification, criminalistics and forensic
organizations
4.3 Specialized Training
Firearm and toolmark examiners may take advantage of general
training programs or specialized schools that provide a broad
perspective and a balanced training curriculum. This training
may be offered by federal, state and local government as well
as private organizations.
4.4 Armorer Schools
Manufacturer armorer schools and vocational college
gunsmithing programs are recommended to firearms examiners as
a means of providing technical training to improve skills for
function examinations and mechanical failure analysis, and
also as specialized training to aid in the safe handling of
recovered firearms. Armorer schools may be provided or
supported by:
4.4.1 Firearms manufacturers that offer courses either on site
or as field schools
4.4.2 Regional and international meetings such as the AFTE
Annual Training Seminar
4.4.3 Courses hosted or supported by local law enforcement
agencies or academies
4.5 Trade Shows
Manufacturers trade shows are strongly recommended venues for
obtaining information and reference literature about new
developments and trends in the firearms and ammunition
industry. Additionally, it provides a mechanism to create
industry contacts that can be valuable for casework related
examinations. These may include:
4.5.1 The annual Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT)
Show
4.5.2 Law enforcement trade shows
4.5.3 Other specialized trade shows related to firearms,
ammunition, tools/tool manufacturing, locks/security devices,
and microscopy
4.6 Manufacturing Facility Tours
Examiners should strive to remain aware of the various
manufacturing processes used in the production and finishing
of firearms, ammunition and tools.
4.6.1 Firearm examiners are encouraged to tour/visit
manufacturing facilities that produce firearms, ammunition and
related components.
4.6.2 Toolmark examiners are encouraged to tour/visit related
manufacturing facilities to maintain an understanding of the
processes that are used for producing finished surfaces that
may be encountered in toolmark case work.
4.6.3 Visits to machine shops to observe machining methods,
metal fabrication processes and surface finishing techniques
are encouraged.
4.7 Laboratory Tours
Firearm and toolmark examiners can gain insight into
alternative examination methods, standards of practice,
reporting techniques, and alternative instrumentation by
visiting and touring the laboratories of other firearm and
toolmark examiners.
4.8 Internal Laboratory Training
Laboratories should recognize the need for firearm examiners
to participate in discipline specific training provided by
their department and provide appropriate reference materials
such as:
4.8.1 AFTE Journal and other forensic publications
4.8.2 Publications related to firearms, ammunition and tools
4.8.3 Industry publications regarding current trends in the
use of firearms, ammunition and tool mark related production
4.8.4 Training video tapes
4.8.5 CD-ROM training and reference materials
4.8.6 On-line education/resources
4.9 Professional Development
Departmental administration and laboratory management have the
responsibility to provide for the professional development of
their staff in the following areas:
4.9.1 Organized training program attendance
9.1.1 the annual AFTE Training Seminar
9.1.2 regional training seminars
9.1.3 armorer schools
9.1.4 agency sponsored training sessions
9.1.5 inter-agency sponsored training
4.9.2 Technical resources maintained by the laboratory
9.2.1 AFTE journal
9.2.2 other forensic firearms related journals and periodicals
9.2.3 firearm and ammunition reference collections and updates
9.2.4 equipment and technology upgrade training
9.2.5 support for new technical developments
4.9.3 Research and development projects that provide benefit
for the examiner, the laboratory, and/or the forensic
community.
5.10 Available
Training Time
The SWGGUN does not mandate a specific number of hours that
forensic firearm and toolmark examiners should participate in
continuing education. However, we recommend that laboratories
plan to provide a sufficient amount of time to facilitate
effective continuing education as outlined above.
Passed 4/22/02
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