FIREARM & TOOLMARK LABORATORY

The Firearms/Toolmark section is responsible for documenting, examining and comparing any evidence related to firearms or tools.  Using comparison microscopy, two objects are simultaneously compared to each other to determine if the toolmarks observed on them originated from the same source.  Firearm examination includes functionality testing, demonstration of operability, microscopic comparison, serial number restoration, and muzzle-to-target examinations.  Toolmark analysis includes the examination of any tool and/or toolmark.  Examples of tools are bolt cutters, screwdrivers, or knives; while toolmarks can be from any object that a tool can impart marks to, such as padlocks, cartilage, or wires.  If an object is broken into pieces, a fracture match examination can be conducted to determine if the two pieces were formerly a single unit.

Firearm/Toolmark Procedures

• Cartridge, Cartridge Case, and Shotshell Procedures
  
• Casting Procedure
  
• Cleaning Procedures
  
• Determination of Uncertainty of Measurement in the Firearm Laboratory
  
• Distance Determination Procedures
  
• Firearm and Section Safety
  
• Firearm Examination
  
• Firearm Section Equipment
  
• Firearm Section Fracture Match Procedures
  
• Firearm Section Verification Process
  
• Firearm/Toolmark Abbreviation List
  
• Firearm/Toolmark Evidence Storage
  
• Firearms Section Reference Collections
  
• Gunshot Residue Reagent Preparation Guide
  
• Measuring Procedure for Shortened Firearms
  
• Microscopic Comparison
  
• Obliterated Character Restoration
  
• Obliterated Character Restoration Reagent Prep Guide
• Projectile Procedures
  
• Swabbing Procedure for Firearms
• Toolmark Examination