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AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors

Home > Bullet Comparison and Identification > 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
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 nonmatches when comparing toolmarks
119. Knowledge of the principles of preparing test marks and the effects of test materials in the production of testfired cartridge components and toolmarks for comparison
4. Ability to select the appropriate casting materials (casting of bullets/toolmarks)
17. Ability to select proper casting material and technique
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
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.* 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)
40.* Ability to recognize manufacturer-induced/placed toolmarks (subclass characteristics) on ammunition as well as their usefulness and limitations
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
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. 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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