- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Types of Evidence
- Associative Evidence
- The Crime Scene
- Evidence Submission
- Laboratory Evidence Handling
- Case Tracking Within the Laboratory
- Firearm and Toolmark Examination Considerations
- Selected Bibliography
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice ProgramsNational Institute of JusticeThe Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice
Firearm and Toolmark Examination Considerations
Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > Firearm and Toolmark Examination Considerations
A firearm/toolmark examiner’s alertness to the possible presence and potential of additional evidence cannot be overstated. When found, its impact on a case can make a significant contribution to an objective and complete laboratory analysis.
Additional examinations may be indicated by the presence of the following evidence:
- Biological
- Trace
- Latent fingerprints
- GSR
- Metal smears
