What is AFTE?

The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) is the international professional organization for practitioners of firearm and/or toolmark identification. Since its founding in 1969, AFTE has been dedicated to the exchange of information, methods, best practices, and the advancement of research in this field.

Any practicing firearm/toolmark examiner, which is defined as:

1. An individual who derives a substantial portion of their livelihood from the examination, identification, and evaluation of firearms and related materials and/or toolmarks.

or

2. An individual whose present livelihood is a direct result of the knowledge and experience gained from the examination, identification, and evaluation of firearms and related materials and/or toolmarks.

AFTE members are from around the world. Many are in North America. Others can be found on every continent, except Antarctica.

Examiners in this field begin as Provisional members and then progress to become Regular members.

Distinguished members have been acknowledged for their contributions to advancing the mission of the association.

Technical Advisors, per the AFTE Bylaws, are “Designated employees of manufacturers of products used or encountered in the investigation of firearm or toolmark evidence, or specialists in closely related fields, whose area of expertise would be beneficial to the Association.”

Associate members usually serve in support roles within a firearm/tool mark section of a laboratory. They are involved in activities such as examining firearms and related materials, test firing firearms, making entries in databases and correlating data, restoring serial numbers, writing examination reports, and may be required to testify to their work.

Emeritus and Honorary members are other distinctions within the organization.

The organization is dedicated to the exchange of information and best practices, and to the furtherance of research in the field of firearm and tool mark examination. This is accomplished through its wide-ranging committees, professional relationships , and diverse and knowledgeable membership that spans the globe.

In accordance with that mission, the AFTE Annual Training Seminar, held for six days each spring/summer in different cities across North America, provides the greatest opportunity for the sharing of information, via presentations and workshops.

The AFTE Journal, the Association’s peer-reviewed scientific journal, is published biannually and is listed in the SCOPUS ® abstract and citation database.

The AFTE Forum is a platform accessible through the AFTE Website where member and non-member alike can post questions or information of interest to the Firearm & Toolmark community.

The AFTE Glossary provides a common language for firearm and toolmark examiners.

Yes. AFTE does provide certification in:

• Firearm Evidence Examination and Identification
• Toolmark Evidence Examination and Identification
• Gunshot Residue Evidence Examination and Identification