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Elimination Factors Related to FA/TM Examinations

SWGGUN recognizes the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)

“Range of Conclusions Possible When Comparing Toolmarks” as set forth in the AFTE

Glossary (Appendix 1) and the AFTE Procedures Manual (Appendix 2) to be the generally

accepted standard.

As defined in the AFTE Glossary eliminations are, “Significant disagreement of discernible

class characteristics and/or individual characteristics”. Furthermore, the AFTE Procedures

Manual states the following in regards to firearm and/or toolmark eliminations:

Firearms

The discipline recognizes that an elimination of a firearm by other than class

characteristics is possible but that such an elimination is an exceptional situation

(1.2.3)

If an examiner arrives at an opinion where he/she eliminates a firearm, for any

reason, the examiner must substantiate the reasons supporting his/her opinion and

incorporate them into his/her work notes (1.2.5)

Toolmarks

The discipline recognizes that an elimination of a toolmark by other than class

characteristics is possible but that such an elimination is an exceptional situation

(2.2.3)

SWGGUN acknowledges that eliminations based on individual characteristics in firearm and

toolmark examinations are exceptional situations and the following factors should be

considered.

1. Condition of the working surface of the tool and/or substrate

2. Material composition of the working surface of the tool and/or substrate

3. Time of event to time of analysis factors

4. History of the tool

5. Number of items

6. Consistency and reproducibility of the individual characteristics
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Appendix 1

AFTE Glossary – Range of Conclusions Possible When Comparing Toolmarks

1. IDENTIFICATIONS – Agreement of a combination of individual characteristics and all

discernible class characteristics where the extent of agreement exceeds that which

can occur in the comparison of toolmarks made by different tools and is consistent

with the agreement demonstrated by toolmarks known to have been produced by

the same tool.

2. INCONCLUSIVE –

A. Some agreement of individual characteristics and all discernible class

characteristics, but insufficient for an identification.

B. Agreement of all discernible class characteristics without agreement or

disagreement of individual characteristics due to an absence, insufficiency, or

lack of reproducibility.

C. Agreement of all discernable class characteristics and disagreement of individual

characteristics, but insufficient for an elimination.

3. ELIMINATION – Significant disagreement of discernible class characteristics and/or

individual characteristics.

4. UNSUITABLE – Unsuitable for microscopic examination.
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Appendix 2

AFTE Procedures Manual – Appendix 1 Range of Conclusions

The following information is provided for your review and consideration. IT IS IN NO WAY

INTENDED TO MANDATE COMPLIANCE OR SUPER CEDE THE EXAMINERS

LABORATORY’S STANDARDS

1.0 Firearms

1.1 Identification

1.1.1 The fired evidence in question was fired with the suspect firearm.

1.1.2 The fired evidence in question was fired from the same firearm, firearm

not received.

1.2 Elimination

1.2.1 The fired evidence in question was not fired with the suspect firearm.

1.2.2 The fired evidence in question was not fired from the same firearm,

firearm not received.

1.2.3 The discipline recognizes that an elimination of a firearm by other than

class characteristics is possible but that such an elimination is an

exceptional situation.

1.2.4 The discipline does not consider the routine comparison of test shots to

the open case file to normally constitute an exceptional situation.

1.2.5 If an examiner arrives at an opinion where he/she eliminates a firearm,

for any reason, the examiner must substantiate the reasons

supporting his/her opinion and incorporate them into his/her work

notes.

1.3 Inconclusive

1.3.1 The fired evidence in question cannot be identified or eliminated as

having been fired with the suspect firearm.

1.3.2 The fired evidence in question cannot be identified or eliminated as

having been fired with the same firearm, firearm not submitted.

1.4 Unsuitable

1.4.1 The fired evidence in question is not suitable for comparison purposes.

1.5 Unidentifiable
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1.5.1 The evidence in question cannot be identified as being fired evidence.

2.0 Toolmarks

2.2 Identification

2.2.1 The toolmark evidence in question was made with the suspect tool.

2.2.2 The toolmark evidence in question was made with the same tool, tool

not received.

2.3 Elimination

2.3.1 The toolmark evidence in question was not made with the suspect tool.

2.3.2 The toolmark evidence in question was not made with the same tool,

tool not received.

2.3.3 The discipline recognizes that an elimination of a toolmark by other

than class characteristics is possible but that such an elimination is an

exceptional situation.

2.4 Inconclusive

2.4.1 The toolmark evidence in question cannot be identified or eliminated as

having been made with the suspect tool.

2.4.2 The toolmark evidence in question cannot be identified or eliminated as

having been made with the same tool, tool not submitted.

2.5 Unsuitable

2.5.1 The toolmark evidence in question is not suitable for comparison

purposes.

2.6 Unidentifiable

2.6.1 The evidence in question cannot be identified as being a toolmark.