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AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors

Home > Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles > AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
14. Knowledge of how to properly document evidence and analytical results (through notes, sketches, photography, reports, etc.)
15. Knowledge of the techniques and procedures used to properly mark evidence (when appropriate)
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
41. How and when to use various cleaning solutions
42. Knowledge of how and when to use pulled-bullet/cartridge exemplar files (SAF)
74. Knowledge of machining and finishing processes of tools, guns, barrels, breech faces, extractors, ejectors, firing pins, and silencers (with emphasis on working surfaces and edges) and their effect on individuality
86. Knowledge of projectiles: design (ogive shape, base shape, cannelure types, forming processes); construction and composition (lead alloy compositions, jacketing materials and styles, etc.)
97. Knowledge of proper ammunition selection (for microscopic comparison and for duplication of patterns of GSR)
116.* Knowledge of the interactive nature of the tool/toolmark process and the transference of class, subclass, and individual characteristics
19. Ability to understand and interpret technical data output from laboratory instruments
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
30. Ability to recognize the effect that firearms and ammunition manufacturing processes, the design of firearms, and design of firearms accessories have on markings imparted to bullets and casings and to interpret them accordingly
31.* Ability to recognize different manufacturing methods and, based upon this, to properly interpret potential for class, subclass, and individual characteristics
33. Ability to recognize and discriminate common rifling profiles (GRC database or file)
39. Ability to recognize, compare and identify various ammunition types and components
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
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
54. Ability to recognize commercially reloaded or handloaded ammunition components from their markings and characteristics
55. Ability to identify reloaded ammunition as having been assembled by the same manufacturer and/or containing the same brand of components
56. Ability to recognize the evidentiary value of reloaded ammunition
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
73. Ability to recognize sources of class, subclass, and individual characteristics on any given tool
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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