AFTE Store - Addressing Challenges in Quality Assurance of 3D Topography Measurements for Firearm and Toolmark Identification

The emerging capabilities for measuring and analyzing the microscopic three-dimensional (3D) surface topography of forensic samples is expected to have a profound impact on firearm and toolmark identification. As forensic laboratories are working to integrate 3D topography metrology into actual casework, it is critical that quality assurance guidance is in place to select a suitable measurement instrument and to ensure that the instrument performs to specification. While progress towards these goals is being made in several Standards organizations for generic applications, there remains a need for additional detailed documentation and reference standards that apply to firearm and toolmark identification. This report provides an overview of quality assurance challenges in defining parameters and procedures for instrument characterization and measurement quality assurance, and an ongoing research effort at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to address them.