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Examination

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The following preliminary steps should be addressed prior to any of the case comparisons:

Review laboratory protocols, as needed.
Complete administrative requirements.
Chain of custody.
Marking of evidence.
Laboratory case identifiers.
Investigative file identifier.
Examiner identity.
Quality assurance.
Follow laboratory safety protocols.
Determine the presence of trace evidence and follow laboratory protocol for collection.

Examples of trace evidence include
- paint,
- glass,
- blood,
- bone,
- soft tissue,
- hair,
- fibers,
- wood,
- metal smears,
- masonry,
- stone.
Determine if latent fingerprint examinations should be performed prior to toolmark examinations.
Determine if other examinations (not requested) should be performed. If so, coordinate with the investigator.

The examination of fired bullets and projectiles should follow protocols approved by the examiner’s laboratory, which typically are based upon the Procedural Manual of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE).

The examination process usually includes the following observations and determinations:

Bullet weight
Composition of the bullet
Base description
Type and position of cannelures
Manufacturer/marketer
General rifling characteristics

Caliber
Number of land and groove impressions
Direction of twist
Width of the land and groove impressions

Bullet design
Extraneous marks due to firing (skid marks/slippage, shave marks, flared base)
Suitability for comparison purposes

A worksheet should be completed per laboratory protocol.

Click here to read a sample forensic worksheet and report - Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles (Class Characteristics)

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