1.0
Objective
The purpose of this document is to set forth a
scientifically acceptable standard for documenting, in a
case record, the observations that support the reported
conclusion.
2.0
Procedures
2.1
The case record must contain documentation of
observations that support a reported conclusion.
2.2
At a minimum, the documentation must include depictions
or descriptions of the agreement or disagreement of
individual and/or class characteristics to the extent
that another qualified firearm and toolmark examiner,
without the benefit of the evidence itself, can review
the case record, understand what was compared, and
evaluate why the examiner arrived at the reported
conclusion.
2.3
The supporting documentation of one comparison may be
used for additional evidence within a case, provided the
agreement described or depicted is representative of the
additional comparison(s).
2.4
It must be documented in the case record which items are
being depicted and/or described.
2.5
Methods of documentation including imaging, narrative
descriptions, sketches, diagrams, charts, worksheets,
tabulation of consecutive matching striae (CMS), or a
combination of the above methods may serve to satisfy
the requirements of this standard. (NOTE: The above
mentioned documentation methods are not sufficient for
the determination or verification of a conclusion.)
3.0
References
1.
AFTE Criteria for Identification (AFTE Journal
Supplemental) Vol. 3, Issue 3, August 2005.
2.
ASCLD/LAB-International© Supplemental
Requirements for the Accreditation of Forensic Science
Testing Laboratories; ISO17025 Program of Accreditation;
4.13.2.12; January 24, 2006.
