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. 2022 Apr 20:4:100228.
doi: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100228. eCollection 2022.

Surveying practicing firearm examiners

Nicholas Scurich  1 , Brandon L Garrett  2 , Robert M Thompson  3
Affiliations

Surveying practicing firearm examiners

Nicholas Scurich et al. Forensic Sci Int Synerg. .

Abstract

A sample (n = 79) of practicing firearm and toolmark examiners was queried about casework as well as their views about the potential role that statistics might play in future firearm examinations and expert witness testimony. Principal findings include: The modal response for time spent conducting bullet examinations is 2-4 hours, and the modal response for cartridge casings is 1-2 hours. The average participant (median) makes an identification in 65% of casework, makes an elimination in 12% of casework, and reports that the examination was inconclusive in 20% of casework calls. The vast majority of examiners work at laboratories that permit eliminations when class characteristics agree. The reported industry-wide false positive error rate is 1%, though very few participants could name a study or give a citation for their reported estimate. Qualitative responses about the potential role of statistics were mixed.

Keywords: Error rates; Expert testimony; Firearms and toolmarks examination; Forensic conclusions; Forensic science.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1a
Fig. 1a
How much time do you spend on a typical firearms case examining bullets?.
Fig. 1b
Fig. 1b
How much time do you spend on a typical firearms case examining cartridge cases?.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Percentage of identification conclusions reached in casework.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Percentage of elimination conclusions reached in casework.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Percentage of inconclusive conclusions reached in casework.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Lanigan B. Firearms identification: the need for a critical approach to, and possible guidelines for, the admissibility of “Ballistics” evidence. Suffolk J. Trial & App. Advoc. 2012;17:54.
    1. Association of Firearms & Tool Mark Examiners Theory of identification as it relates to toolmarks. AFTE J. 1998;30(1):86–98.
    1. Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners Procedures Manual FA-IV-13 (2001).
    1. National Research Council . The National Academies Press; Washington D.C.: 2008. Ballistic Imaging.
    1. National Research Council . The National Academies Press; Washington D.C: 2009. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward.

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