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)

52.

Knowledge of how and when to use chemical reagents

59.

Knowledge of how and when to use fume hoods

82.

Knowledge of the different materials that may be present in the bore of a firearm

97.

Knowledge of proper ammunition selection. (for microscopic comparison and for duplication of patterns of gunshot residue)

106.

Knowledge of chemical tests used in the examination of bullet holes. (bullet impact site, and ricochet marks outside of scope of training)

107.

Knowledge of how and when to perform microscopic examinations for the purpose of distance determination

109.

Knowledge of how and when to perform chemical tests (such as sodium rhodizonate and Griess) for the purpose of distance determination

110.

Knowledge of stippling patterns/powder patterns on a surface and how they are used in distance determination

111.

Knowledge of pellet patterns and how they are used in distance determination

112.

Knowledge of which firearms, ammunition, and test pattern surfaces to use for the purpose of distance determination

120.

Knowledge of firearms-generated discharge products: how deposited; primer constituents, propellant residues, bullet metal, and bullet lubricants

12.

Ability to use logic to analyze and identify strengths and weaknesses of different approaches

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

42.

Ability to recognize and interpret the effects of ammunition/firearms combinations on various aspects involved in reconstructing what happened at a shooting scene (distance)

62.

Ability to identify holes and/or defects in various objects as bullet caused, through physical and/or chemical means (e.g., lead containing "bullet wipe," "bullet splash" (copper/lead transfers in bullet graze or ricochet marks outside of scope of training)

77.

Ability to identify the physical form and type of small arms propellant recovered from a gun, victim's clothing, etc. (e.g., flattened ball powder, perforated disc, flake powder, etc.)

82. 

Ability to recognize the various physical and chemical forms of propellants, their purpose in various cartridges and their value as physical evidence