What does the afte do?

The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) is the international professional organization for practitioners of Firearm and/or Toolmark Identification and has been dedicated to the exchange of information, methods and best practices, and the furtherance of research since its creation in 1969.

What is the main tool used by tool mark and firearms examiners?

comparison microscope
Similar to bullets and cartridge cases, the examiner will conduct comparative examinations on toolmarks using the comparison microscope.

What is a firearms examiner?

ATF’s forensic firearm and toolmark examiners analyze firearms and tools found at crime scenes to help investigators solve criminal cases. For example, they can examine microscopic marks on bullets and cartridge cases to determine if the marks were made by a suspect’s firearm.

What is a Toolmark?

Toolmarks are scratches and/or impressions that are left on an object that is softer than the object or tool that caused the marks. The barrel (harder object) that leaves markings on the surface of the fired bullet (softer object) is an example of a toolmark.

Is a firearm a tool?

A firearm is a tool. It is an inanimate object that can only be used, it can not do anything by itself. There are tools such as hammers, baseball bats, tire irons, and automobiles.

What are grooves on a bullet?

Rifling: The spiral grooves cut or swaged inside a gun barrel that gives the bullet a spinning motion. The metal between the grooves is called a “land”.

What tools do firearm examiners use?

Stereo microscopes are used to determine basic class characteristics of fired bullets, bullet fragments and cartridge/shotshell cases. A comparison microscope is used for the examination of fired bullets, bullet fragments and cartridge/shotshell cases.

What are the types of tool marks?

There are three major categories of tool marks: indentations marks, abrasion marks, and cutting marks.

What is the importance of forensic firearms examiner?

By comparing these unique markings, the examiner can provide information that can help identify the firearm used in the shooting, whether two or more rounds were fired with the same firearms, and further connect the firearm with other crimes.

What are the markings on a bullet called?

To evaluate old bullets, ballistics experts rely on the same basic techniques used at police labs. Most clues are found in two types of tiny markings, called class and individual characteristics. By looking for the bullet caliber and “rifling” marks, experts can identify the type of gun used.

What are the 3 types of tool marks?

There are three major categories of tool marks: indentations marks, abrasion marks, and cutting marks. i. Indentations Marks 1. Indentations marks are made by a tool when it is pressed against a softer surface, often forming a negative impression on the object receiving the force.

What are tool marks and what are their characteristics?

The class characteristics of a toolmark include the type of impression, its general shape, and its general dimensions. Class characteristics typically allow the examiner to determine what type of tool created the impression and how the mark was created.