Contact AFTE


Visitors since
2/13/2001


 

 

 

 

www.afte.org

Help with the site

Member Links

Announcements
Roster Search
2012 AFTE Seminar



 

AFTE Online Store

AFTE Journal Search
Scholarship Program
AFTE awards $2000 annually to qualified students seeking a career in Forensic Science. To find out more about the Scholarship Program. Click here.
Certification
AFTE offers qualified members Certification testing in the area of Firearms, Toolmarks, and GSR/Muzzle Distance. To learn more about this program click here
SWGGUN

The Scientific Working Group for Firearms and Toolmarks (SWGGUN) can now be found at www.swggun.org
SWGGUN

Welcome to the official website of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners.  "AFTE" is an international organization dedicated to the advancement of one of the finest disciplines of Forensic Science......Firearm & Toolmark Identification.

AFTE News
   
[News Archives]

 

 

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The Spring 2012 issue of the AFTE Journal has been posted on the website.  Click here to view it.

 

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

The AFTE Written Certification Test is Going On-Line!


Applications must be received by COB May 11, 2012 for the On-Line AFTE Certification Test (Written)

The due date is fast approaching for the first on-line AFTE Certification Tests. The “open season” for taking the tests is May 21 to June 1 for qualified applicants and their designated proctors.

The application process is basically the same; fill out the application form describing which tests you want to take (form link on the Certification Program page), pay the fees with PayPal, or send a check with the application forms. You can mail the hard copy and check to the Chairman’s mailing address. The change is that a designated proctor and his/her contact information MUST be named in the application information. (Members that have already applied need not reapply.)

The approximate 2 week “open season” allows the applicant and proctor convenience in scheduling the test. Further instructions and forms requirements will be sent to the applicant and proctor.

If you are not able to take the upcoming test offering, you can still apply to take tests in the next two open seasons that are planned for August 20-31, and October 22-November 2. Make sure you indicate this in your application.

Robert M. Thompson, AFTE Certification Programs Chairman

 

Thursday, April 26, 2012

 

AFTE 2012

As of April 26, 2012 the Hyatt is sold out for the days of our conference.  Please read below for info on the overflow hotel.

Overflow Hotel

Comfort Suites Downtown Buffalo
601 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
716-854-5500

www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-buffalo-new_york-NY200

Please let them know you are with AFTE when you call to make reservations.

 

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Measurement Science and Standards in Forensic Firearms Analysis 2012

 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in collaboration with The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) and the Scientific Working Group for Firearms and Toolmarks (SWGGUN) is hosting a two-day conference exploring measurement science and standards in the forensic discipline of firearms analysis.

Click here to open their website containing further information.

 

 

Monday, March 26, 2012

 

AFTE 2012

If you have a child 12 and under and would like for them to attend the banquet, please contact Jennifer Coombs.

 

Friday, March 23, 2012

The Spring 2012 issue of the AFTE News has been posted on the website.  Click here to view it.

 

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Message from the President

 

I am honored to announce that after consultation with both the Member of the Year Committee and the Howe family, the Board of Directors unanimously has agreed to the following proposal;

Proposal to Rename the Member of the Year Award to the Walter J. Howe Award

The purpose of the following is to rename the Member of the Year Award to the Walter J. Howe Award. Mr. Howe served his country with honor and distinction during World War II, during which he was the Chief Armament Inspector at the Army Ordnance Office in Fort Dix, New Jersey. After the war, Mr. Howe worked for several publishing companies before taking the position of Director of Research and Development at Marlin Firearms Company in North Haven, CT. While touring the facility, U.S. Army Major General Julian Hatcher proposed that Mr. Howe join the National Rifle Association (NRA) in Washington, DC. When the NRA brought Mr. Howe to Washington, they were looking for an individual with not only an extensive knowledge of firearms, but also an individual with vision and drive to provide both advice and guidance on the future direction of their organization. Mr. Howe more than satisfied all of these requirements. Mr. Howe became the Editor of the American Rifleman magazine in 1953, a post he retained until 1966. While with the magazine, Mr. Howe published articles by Jack Weller (of Hatcher, Jury, and Weller fame) on the fundamentals of forensic firearm identification. This was done to increase the awareness and raise the level of knowledge and was a first for a magazine whose readers were typically devoted to hunting and shooting.

In the early 1960s, he became a member, and then a Fellow, of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). Because of the increasing size and the number of disciplines in the AAFS, Mr. Howe recognized the need for a group exclusively for firearm and tool mark examination. Thirty-five men met in Chicago, IL, back in 1969 to form the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE). Mr. Howe was selected to be the first president of the association. In addition to being president, Mr. Howe became the editor of the AFTE Newsletter. His focus was to promote the exchange of information to raise the level of professionalism within the discipline. It is still what AFTE strives to achieve. Certainly the argument can be made that without Mr. Howe AFTE would not exist and it would not be the type of organization it is today. To many members, Mr. Howe was so much more than the first President of AFTE. He was also a mentor, an advisor, and most importantly, a role model. Mr. Howe served as an example to all of us of the things we could be capable of if only we worked hard enough and never compromised our standards or integrity. The current Member of the Year Committee Chair and its members have unanimously and wholeheartedly agreed that this prestigious award’s name should be changed. Since the purpose of this annual award is to recognize individuals who have assisted AFTE in an outstanding manner, it is all together fitting that this award be named the Walter J. Howe Award.

Very Respectfully Submitted
Dan B. Gunnell
43rd AFTE President

 

Monday, March 12, 2012

The application period for admission to the 2012-2013 session of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA) is open to all qualified candidates.

 

The NFEA provides training for apprentice/entry level firearm and toolmark examiners from Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The Academy curriculum is composed of the fundamentals of firearms & toolmark examinations and serves as a basis for the trainee, under supervision, to develop into a qualified firearm and toolmark examiner. The application deadline for the 2012 - 2013 session of the NFEA is July 31, 2012. The start date for training is dependent on receipt of funding and the schedule may be adjusted accordingly. It is anticipated that the class would start in October 2012.

 

Additional information and the application form are available below.

 

2012-2013 NFEA Information

 

2012-2013 NFEA Overview

 

2012-2013 NFEA Application

 

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

 

AFTE 2012

In lieu of a formal golf tourney this year, I am offering those interested in getting out and enjoying the day the opportunity to play a round of golf at one of the local courses.

If you are interested, please email me at afte2012reg@gmail.com

Mark Shaw

 

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

 

AFTE 2012

AFTE On-Line Certification Test Update and Information

The AFTE Certification Programs Committee has been hard at work this last year updating the written test, and preparing for an on-line version. The final preparations for the installation of the on-line test is planned to be completed in the next few months, hopefully on or before the next AFTE Training Conference in Buffalo, New York. Therefore, there will not be written tests traditionally offered the Sunday prior to the conference. We are certain that offering these tests on-line will benefit those members who cannot attend the AFTE Training Conferences regularly, and offer a more convenient way to begin or expand on their certification.

It is planned that the application process and cost will remain unchanged, so if you are still contemplating taking the test, please submit your applications as currently detailed on the AFTE Certification web pages.

When the test installation is complete, more information, details, and instructions will be announced.

Robert M. Thompson, Chair-Certification Programs

 

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

 

AFTE 2012

Registration for the 2012 AFTE Annual Training Seminar is now open!

 

Attendees can register by clicking here.

 

Exhibitors can register by clicking here.

 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

 

AFTE 2012

The initial listing of Workshops for the 2012 Annual Training Seminar have been added to the Seminar webpage.  Click here to see what training opportunities are available at this year's meeting.  Check back regularly for additional workshops.

 

Registration will open on February 15, 2012!!!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Chris Monturo, with the support of the AFTE Sickness & Distress Committee as well as the 2012 AFTE Training Seminar Host Committee has graciously donated 5 AR-15 lowers to benefit the Kelsi Crutchfield Scholarship Fund to be raffled off at the 2012 meeting in Buffalo.  Click here for more information and to purchase your tickets.

 

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

The Winter 2012 issue of the AFTE Journal has been posted on the website.  Click here to view it.

 

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

AFTE 2012 - Attention International Members

 

For those international members that require a letter of invitation in order to receive a Visa, we now have a link set up to email Mark Shaw (2012 Registration).  Once he receives your email, he will get one to you as soon as possible.  Click here to be redirected to our letter of invitation page.

 

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Fall 2011 issue of the AFTE Journal has been posted on the website.  Click here to view it.  Hard copies of the Journal should be reaching your desk in the next 2-3 weeks.

 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

A Message from AFTE President Dan Gunnell:

 

Fellow AFTE Members,

It is with great regret that I have accepted Scott Doyle's resignation from his position as Member at Large to the Board of Directors. Scott has expressed concern that, with all of his other obligations, he did not feel he could continue to devote the time necessary to properly execute the duties required of him within the Association. Scott has been an invaluable asset and truly contributed to make AFTE a better organization. Even with Scott's decision to leave the Board, he placed the best interests of the Association first. It has been an honor to serve with Scott and I am sure we all wish him the best with all of his future endeavors.

In accordance with the AFTE By-Laws, Article 6 Section 2e - "In the event a vacancy occurs in the position of Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, or Member at Large by reason of death, resignation, or otherwise, the President shall appoint a replacement who shall serve until the next annual election. At that time, an election shall be held to fill any remaining term.", I have appointed Ms. Kathy Richert of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to fill this position. Kathy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board. I have every confidence that she will do an outstanding job. Please welcome Kathy to the Board and extend whatever assistance she might require in order to ease this difficult transition.

Dan Gunnell
43rd AFTE President

 

Monday, October 3, 2011

The Fall 2011 issue of the AFTE News has been posted on the website.  Click here to view it.

 

Friday, August 19, 2011

**Member's Only**

 

The AFTE Journal Index has recently been updated.

 

Thanks to the hard work of the PDF Journal Article Separation Committee and Scott Doyle, the AFTE Journal Index has been updated to include links to the PDF articles for each citation.  This is a work in progress.  Approximately 95% if the citations have links to a PDF file.  This feature is for member's only.

 

Please take time to visit this most valuable resource.

 

Charles Clow

Chair, PDF Article Separation Committee

 

Friday, August 5, 2011

The technical papers presented at the AFTE 2011 42nd Annual Training Seminar in Chicago, IL were recorded and have been compiled into a 4-disc DVD set that is available for purchase to AFTE members.  Credit card purchases can be made on-line and mail orders can be placed with a check or agency purchase order.  Additionally, DVDs from the 2005 through 2010 Training Seminars are also available for purchase.  Click here for more details.

 

Friday, August 5, 2011

The Summer 2011 issue of the AFTE Journal has been posted on the website.  Click here to view it.

 

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Are you interested in participating in an AFTE Committee? 

 

If so, e-mail your contact information, as well as any specific interests and/or specialized skills to Brandon Giroux.

 

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Below is the SWGGUN and AFTE Committee for the Advancement of the Science of Firearm and Toolmark Identification’s June 14, 2011 response to the 25 foundational firearm and toolmark examination questions received from the Subcommittee on Forensic Science (SoFS), Research, Development, Testing, & Evaluation Interagency Working Group (RDT&EIWG) on April 18, 2011. This response is a compilation of published research which addresses each question.

 

AFTE Response

 

Sunday, July 31, 2011

**Member's Only**

 

The 2010 AFTE Roster has been posted in the Member's Only section of the website.  It is formatted so that members can download it and update their pad folio version.

 

Monday, June 20, 2011

MESSAGE FROM THE AFTE BOD:

 

It is always a sad event when a member of our AFTE family passes away; however, the recent unexpected loss of our sister Laurie Crutchfield from Orange County is particularly tragic (more information is available on the Sickness and Distress Forum). Laurie’s family has set up an account to help with Laurie’s young daughter Kelci’s education. The Board of Directors is asking for your help in assisting to provide Kelci the type of education that you would want for your own child. The webmaster has set up a Paypal link to the Kelci Anne Crutchfield Memorial College Fund. On numerous occasions Laurie’s smile brightened an otherwise dismal day. It is hoped that we can, in some small way, help make Kelci’s future a bit brighter. Please give from your heart.

 

Name:
Member Number:

 

Monday, June 6, 2011

 

AFTE 2011

The summary pages of the 2011 AFTE Training Seminar in Chicago, IL can be found by clicking here.  More pictures will be added as they are received.

 

Thursday, May 26, 2011

 

AFTE 2011

**ATTENTION**

 

REGISTRATION FOR AFTE 2011 WILL CLOSE AT NOON (CST) ON FRIDAY, MAY 27th. 
ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO REGISTRATION MUST BE MADE BY CONTACTING JEN CONES AT AFTE.SEMINAR@GMAIL.COM. THANK YOU.

 

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

 

AFTE 2011

**ATTENTION**

 

AFTE 2011 Friends and Family Program Update

 

Due to a lack of interest, a couple of the F&F Program events have been canceled.

 

The Chicago Botanical Gardens (1 registrant)

The Ghost Tour (6 registrants

 

Individuals that have prepaid for the above events will be refunded their registration money.

 

The Chicago by the River event will take place as schedule (Tuesday, May 31)

 

Monday, May 16, 2011

The Spring 2011 issue of the AFTE Journal has been posted on the website.  Click here to view it.

 

Thursday, April 28, 2011

It has recently come to my attention that the online version of the AFTE Code of Ethics is incorrect.  The correct version, June 2009 has been posted.  This version corrects a number of word changes as well as adding sections IV E, F and G.  The new version can be found here.

 

Thursday, April 28, 2011

 

AFTE 2011

Information for the AFTE 2011 3rd Annual Gun Run can be found by clicking here.

 

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

 

AFTE 2011

**ATTENTION**

Rooms
at the Drake Hotel have are sold out for the night of May 28th.  There are 5 rooms available for each of the following nights, May 31st and June 1st.  After these are gone, no other rooms will be available.

 

Garry Rathman Memorial Golf Tournament - If enough golfers do not sign up to play in the tournament, then the golfers that do want to participate can play this course just to play...to have fun anyway. The course is a challenging, championship course and the greens fees are not unreasonable for this type caliber of a course.

 

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

 

AFTE 2011

Information has been added to the Friends and Family section.  Click here to view the events the Friends and Family Committee has set up for your enjoyment during the day and evening. 
Registration for these events can be done by snail-mail or online.

 

There is also a list of things to do if you are interested in exploring Chicago on your own.

 

Thursday, April 14, 2011

 

AFTE 2011

Call For Posters: The Poster Presentation for the 2011 AFTE Training Conference is rapidly filling up. There are only a few spots left so please contact either of the co-chairs as soon as possible.

Mark Keisler
Angela Kilmon

 

Friday, April 8, 2011

 

AFTE 2011

A Forensic Imaging and Metrology workshop has been added.  Click here to read the information about it.

 

There is a Chicago Cubs game one evening while we are there.  It is Tuesday night vs. the Houston Astros.  This is not an AFTE sponsored event, so tickets must be purchased on your own.  The game will sell out quickly, so pick some up if you are interested in seeing a game at Wrigley Field.

 

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

 

AFTE 2011

With the 2011 AFTE Training Seminar in Chicago fast approaching, the deadline has been set for submitting payment for the 2011 Garry Rathman Memorial Golf Tournament.  All checks must be submitted by May 2, 2011.  For more information regarding the tournament and location click here.

 

Monday, March 21, 2011

The AFTE Grant Committee is pleased to announce the availability of grant funding to attend the AFTE 2011 Training Seminar in Chicago, IL for 10 individuals who’s laboratories have not been able to provide funding or the individual has not been able to attend an AFTE meeting due to lack of funds in the last 3 years.  Click here to view the announcement and download the grant application.

 

Thursday, March 17, 2011

From the AFTE Editor

 

A corrected version of the March 2011 edition of the AFTE News has been uploaded to the Member's Area.  Minor changes were made to the Bylaws Committee Report.  The proposed modifications to the Bylaws are now identified in bold font.  Click here to view it.

 

My apologies for the inconvenience.

 

Charles Clow

AFTE Editor

 

Thursday, March 17, 2011

 

AFTE 2011

Information about the 2011 AFTE Written Certification Tests can be found by clicking here.

 

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

**ATTENTION**


Due to unforeseen circumstances, hotel rooms for Friday, June 3rd, are sold out at both the conference hotel (The Drake) and the overflow hotel.  It is recommended that attendees visit hotels.com or priceline.com to find affordable lodging within a short distance of The Drake hotel. 

 

In addition, attendees are urged to make their reservations for the other nights of the conference (Sunday - Thursday) quickly.

 

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Winter 2011 issue of the AFTE Journal has been posted on the website.  Click here to view it.

 

Monday, January 31, 2011

New workshops have been added to the 2011 AFTE Seminar Page!!  Click here to see what is available and check back often to see others as they are added.

 

Monday, January 24, 2011

Call for Posters!!!

 

Back by popular demand!  AFTE 2011, Chicago, will once again be hosting an after-hours poster presentation. This years’ presentation will be on Wednesday night from 7-9. If you wish to present a poster at the conference please contact either co-chair listed below. Space is limited so sign up early.

Mark Keisler
Angela Kilmon

 

Monday, January 24, 2011

Per the AFTE Board of Directors:

 

A number of issues concerning the AFTE Glossary have been brought to our attention.  Until such time as these issues can be remedied, the on-line version of the AFTE Glossary will be taken off-line. The Training and Standardization Committee is working diligently to correct this problem.

 

Monday, January 10, 2011

**ATTENTION**

 

A glitch with the payment system in the shopping cart has led to it being shut down temporarily until a solution can be found.  Payments can still be made through PayPal by clicking here.  Sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused.

 

Friday, January 7, 2011

Registration for the 2011 AFTE Annual Training Seminar is now open.  For a mail-in registration for click here.  To register online click here.

 

Saturday, January 1, 2011

**ATTENTION**

 

The Terms of Use Agreement (TOU) for the AFTE Forum has been updated by the AFTE Board of Directors.  The update is in effect as of 12:00AM MST on 1/1/11.  Upon logging into the Forum for the first time since the update, you will be required to read the new TOU.  By clicking the check box at the bottom of the TOU you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the terms as stated.

 

Saturday, January 1, 2011

It gives me great pleasure to announce the completion of the AFTE Journal Index in conjunction with the AFTE Shopping Cart.

The index is searchable by:

- Name of Author
- Year
- Volume
- Word in Title
- Keyword
- Word in Abstract

 

The Journal Search can be found by clicking here or by clicking on the Journal Search sub-menu (under Journal) in the menu to the left.

 

Charles Clow

AFTE Editor

 

 

 

To view News Archives visit the Site News page.


Top of Page


blue line

HOME | The Association | Members Area | Membership Info 
AFTE Journal | Online Payments | Examiner Resources | Training Seminar 
AFTE Forum | Job Postings | Forensic Links
| HELP  

Copyright © 2004 Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)
All rights reserved.  Revised: May 02, 2012.