Guidelines: Criteria for Identification- The laboratory
shall adopt a Criteria for Identification as it
pertains to the firearm/toolmark discipline.
Guidelines for the Standardization of Comparison
Documentation- The
purpose of this document is to set forth a
scientifically acceptable standard for documenting,
in a case record, the observations that support the
reported conclusion.
Guidelines for Trigger Pull Analysis- The
objective of the following guidelines is to identify
the essential elements suggested for use in the
measurements of firearm trigger pulls and review the
established trigger pull protocols (methodology and
instrumentation).
Recommended Education/Experience Requirements for
Experienced Level Firearm and Toolmark Examiners
Recommended Education Requirements for Entry Level
Firearm and Toolmark Examiner Trainees
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.
SWGGUN Quality
Assurance Guidelines
- It is the goal of a forensic laboratory’s firearms and
toolmarks program to provide the users of these services
access to quality firearms and toolmarks evidence
examinations. These guidelines provide a framework of
standards for quality and integrity in the firearms and
toolmarks examination processes, evidence handling, evidence
evaluation, reporting and testimony. This document pertains to
the personnel performing firearms and toolmarks evidence
examination in forensic laboratories.
Elimination
Factors Related to FA/TM Examinations - SWGGUN recognizes the
Association of Firearm
and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) “Range of Conclusions
Possible When Comparing Toolmarks” as set
forth in the AFTE Glossary (Appendix 1) and the AFTE
Procedures Manual (Appendix 2) to be the generally
accepted standard.
Projectile
Path Reconstruction Essential Elements -
The objective of the following guidelines is to
identify the essential elements suggested for use in
establishing training and procedure manuals as
applied to the determination of projectile paths
from penetration or impact.
Forensic
Examination Guidelines for Silencers
- The objective of the following guidelines is to
identify the essential elements suggested for use in
the forensic examination of silencers.
Establish procedures to reliably determine if a
device is constructed or fabricated to reduce,
suppress, attenuate or diminish the report of a
firearm. Review and/or validate established
silencer examination protocols.
