- 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
Metal Smears
Home > Evidence Handling Procedures > Firearm and Toolmark Examination Considerations > Metal Smears
Metal smear on a tool
This type of trace deposit might be found on the operating surfaces of tools. Metal smears may be observed under the microscope by a toolmark examiner and, if probative in nature, referred to a metallurgist. If a toolmark comparison is inconclusive, these minute deposits could at least be shown to be consistent with a toolmarked surface.
| Note: |
| Examiners should be cautioned that relating a metal smear or other source of metal to a particular source based on a compositional comparison of trace elements present is not a viable option. This approach has been attempted, but all such past comparisons are under increased scrutiny and review. Many laboratories have discontinued the technique. |
