AFTE Store - Analysis of the Essential Aspects of Striated Tool Mark Examinations and the Methods for Identification

There are many aspects that help ensure firearms and toolmark examinations are reliably conducted and yield valid conclusions, including the availability of specialized tools, the examiner’s training and experience, established laboratory protocols and other formal guidelines. It is the examiner’s responsibility to analyze evidence and determine if a positive identification exists. There are two similar methods for establishing an identification: traditional pattern recognition and pattern recognition with consecutive matching striations (CMS) utilizing the conservative numerical criteria. All examiners use the traditional pattern recognition method, which usually generates reliable and valid results when applied properly. Because the possibility of making a misidentificaton still exists, some examiners feel there is a need to utilize a more objective method. Whether an examiner employs the traditional pattern recognition method or CMS with the conservative criteria for identification, it is essential for them to be able to communicate the reliability of their examination methods and conclusions clearly and convincingly in a courtroom.