Examination Documentation

Home > Examination of Firearms > Evidence Receipt > Examination Documentation

Documentation must be complete and accurate. The examiner needs to develop effective work habits that include a thorough and consistent approach to examination. A worksheet should be completed per laboratory protocol. Laboratory forms will assist in this process, but the examiner should not be limited to simply completing checklists. Including crucial information beyond that required on the forms will enable the examiner to describe and defend findings and conclusions.

Whenever the examiner must research a particular firearm to determine pertinent information (such as disassembly, assembly, operation, or history), copies of this research data should be included in the case folder. This practice can assist the examiner when the case is being adjudicated. A prudent examiner makes a separate copy of this data and catalogs it for future use.

Click here to read a sample forensic worksheet and report - Firearms

< Previous Page :: Next Page >