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AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors

Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
Evidence
K 5. Knowledge of nonfirearms/toolmark types of forensic evidence, such as trace evidence (hairs, fibers, paint, etc.), sereological evidence, etc. 
K 6. Knowledge of legal requirements for the preservation of evidence (chain of custody)
K 7. Knowledge of scientific methodologies for the preservation of evidence (packaging and storage)
K 9. Knowledge of which tools, instruments, and containers are most appropriate for the preservation of evidence (packaging and storage)
K 10. Knowledge of the proper storage conditions for evidence collected
K 11. Knowledge of the effects of biological agents (bacteria, molds, insects, animals, etc.) on various types of evidence and ways to prevent their effects
K 12. Knowledge of basic chain-of-custody rules
K 13. Knowledge of the effects that interfering factors (such as substrate, time, activity, temperature, weather, etc.) have upon various types of evidence, and ways to prevent their effects
K 14. Knowledge of how to properly document evidence and analytical results (through notes, sketches, photography, reports, etc.)
K 15. Knowledge of the techniques and procedures used to properly mark evidence (when appropriate)
K 20. Knowledge of various photographic techniques and their application for documenting evidence and analytical results, and for preparing courtroom exhibits
K 23. Knowledge of how each scientific test affects the evidence being examined
K 25. Knowledge of sequential priorities for conducting scientific tests so as not to destroy evidence or contaminate test results
K 31. Knowledge of how to prepare casts and use of casting materials
K 46. Knowledge of how and when to use different probes (such as wood, fiberglass, metal, etc.) for bullet holes
K 66. Knowledge of how and when to use computer systems and work-related computer programs
K 83. Knowledge of the types of trace materials that may be present on firearms
K 143. Knowledge of which professional organizations address firearm and toolmark examiners' concerns
A 1. Ability to recognize the evidence potential of an item
A 2. Ability to recognize and safeguard nonfirearms evidence, such as trace materials
A 3. Ability to recognize bullet impact sites at crime scenes
A 7. Ability to establish and maintain a proper chain of custody
A 8. Ability to maintain a complete inventory of evidence from a particular case
A 10. Ability to evaluate examination requests, while considering the totality of the case
A 11. Ability to adhere to an examination protocol for both firearms and toolmark cases
A 12. Ability to use logic to analyze and identify strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
A 89. Ability to properly document evidence items, examinations, and comparisons
A 97. Ability to recognize the need for additional expertise in certain situations and what can be expected to be gained by their participation
Crime Scene Investigation
K 3. Knowledge of which tools or instruments are most appropriate for the recovery of evidence
A 4. Ability to select the appropriate casting materials (casting of bullets/toolmarks)
A 5. Ability to properly record conditions at a shooting scene or crime scene in general (per lab policy)
A 6. Ability to interpret the value, meaning, and relationship of various items of evidence at crime scenes for the purpose of reconstructing what events occurred (per lab policy)
A 67. Ability to recognize bullet impact sites at shooting scenes

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