AFTE Store - Firearms Identifications Sometimes All Is Not As It Seems

There are many different ways to report our findings after carrying out various field and laboratory examinations. AFTE members from laboratories who participate in the Collaborative Testing Services (Virginia USA) Proficiency Tests will be aware from the Final Reports, just how many different ways hundreds of individuals can report exactly the same conclusion. A shooting murder investigated recently by the author highlighted some issues in regards to the technically correct way to report upon comparative examination results. The circumstances of the case and the evidence recovered dictated what was required in the report and this is discussed for the benefit and consideration of AFTE members if a similar situation is encountered in their casework.