AFTE Store - FAID2009: Proficiency Test and Workshop

A Firearms Identification proficiency test and follow-up workshop was arranged in 2009/2010 within the framework of the ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes) Expert Working Group Firearms/GSR. The proficiency test was called FAID2009 (FireArms IDentification 2009). The test consisted of ten sets of samples, five with bullets and five with cartridge cases. Each set consisted of three items: one unknown item and two items from a known firearm. In five of the test sets, the unknown and the known items were from different firearms. All the items for each test set were polymer castings from the same original fired bullets and cartridge cases. In this way, all the examiners from the different laboratories were given the opportunity to examine identical marks. The test sets were sent to 68 forensic laboratories (table 1), mostly in Europe (61), and examiners were asked to compare the unknown item in each test set with the known items, and choose a conclusion from a virtual scale with 5 (+1 ) levels ranging from identification to exclusion / elimination, with a level available for “unsuitable”. Sixty-four laboratories returned the answer form, and 637 conclusions were given. Twenty-six conclusions (4%) were false identifications and thirteen conclusions (2%) were false exclusions. Forty-three of the laboratories attended the follow-up workshop, where the results were discussed.