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AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors

Home > Cartridge and Shotshell Examination > AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
17. Knowledge of the proper methodologies for the written documentation of scientific results
21. Knowledge of testing procedures (protocol) commonly used to examine evidence, the expected results from each, and when to apply each
26.* Knowledge of definitions of class, subclass, and individual characteristics and the differences between them
27.* Knowledge of the sources of class, subclass, and individual characteristics
42. Knowledge of how and when to use pulled-bullet/cartridge exemplar files (SAF)
115. Knowledge of the toolmarks created during the reloading of ammunition
116.* Knowledge of the interactive nature of the tool/toolmark process and the transference of class, subclass, and individual characteristics
117. Knowledge of impressed (static) vs. striated (dynamic) toolmarks
118. Knowledge of the best agreement possible in situations of known non-matches when comparing toolmarks
119. Knowledge of the principles of preparing test marks and the effects of test materials in the production of test fired cartridge components and toolmarks for comparison
21. Ability to recognize discrepancies or inconsistencies in analytical findings and determine their cause and significance
22. Ability to recognize utility and limitations of reference collection/database programs
23. Ability to recognize the limitations of tests and interpretations
31.*  Ability to recognize different manufacturing methods and, based upon this, to properly interpret potential for class, subclass, and individual characteristics
34.  Ability to distinguish “action” markings from those caused during firing (“action” markings meaning mechanism marks)
38.  Ability to recognize when fired bullets and cases have been fired in a firearm not designed for them
39. Ability to recognize, compare and identify various ammunition types and components
40.* Ability to recognize manufacturer-induced/placed toolmarks (subclass characteristics) on ammunition as well as their usefulness and limitations
43. Ability to recognize reloaded or handloaded ammunition
44. Ability to compare ammunition components on the basis of design characteristics or features
46. Ability to recognize: (1) those attributes or characteristics of a particular firearm design which are reflected in the fired projectiles and fired cartridge cases; and (2) nonfirearm caused toolmarks on ammunition components
47. Ability to determine the source and uniqueness of various striated and/or static marks on bullets and cartridges
48. Ability to recognize and properly align reproducible striae arrays sufficient for identification purposes
49.* Ability to recognize, determine the source of, and differentiate between class, subclass, and individual characteristics on bullets, cartridges, cartridge cases, and in nonfirearm related toolmarks
50. Ability to make comparisons between evidence and reference cartridges and recovered cartridge components
53. Ability to distinguish between the quality and quantity of matching striae in a true identity and that observed in known nonmatches
54. Ability to recognize commercially reloaded or handloaded ammunition components from their markings and characteristics
56. Ability to recognize the evidentiary value of reloaded ammunition
57. Ability to recognize any manufacturer-induced characteristics
71. Ability to make determinations in toolmark comparisons (both firearm and nonfirearm toolmarks) regarding identifications, exclusions, and inconclusives
72. Ability to recognize patterns (profiles, etc.) produced by various tool-working surfaces
74. Ability to recognize toolmarks as being class, subclass, or individual in nature
* Module 9 includes information on class, subclass, and individual characteristics in regard to cartridge cases; Module 10 includes class characteristic information on fired and unfired bullets and Module 11 includes information on subclass and individual characteristics in regards to fired bullets

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