Examiner Resources

COMPUTERIZED WORKSHEETS
FOR FIREARM AND TOOLMARK EXAMINERS

By: Robert J. Shem, State of Alaska, Department of Public Safety, Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory

Keywords: Computer, worksheet, database, trigger pull, Microsoft Access

ABSTRACT
A series of computerized worksheets for Firearm and Toolmark Examiners using Microsoft Access, a relational database program, has been developed at the Alaska Crime Lab. The examiner’s pen and notepad is replaced by the mouse, keyboard, and an imaging device for the collection of bench notes. The database nature of this worksheet series allows quick analysis of casework data. Of particular interest is the ability to quickly review trigger pull data. This gives the examiner an objective basis for an opinion on the trigger pull of a firearm in question. In addition to a series of worksheets for the different firearm types, worksheets for bullets, cartridge cases, live ammunition, clothing, airguns, serial number restorations, toolmarks, and others are contained within this database.

Introduction
In 1994, Eric Sorensen, a college intern assigned to the Alaska Crime Lab, compiled trigger pull information from hand written worksheets produced over the previous eight years. Using the uncanny computer abilities of today’s youth he produced a computerized histogram chart displaying a rough bell curve of trigger pull data. In order to keep the trigger pull database updated and to eliminate the duplication of effort, hand written worksheets were abandoned. The collection of bench notes moved to the keyboard and mouse, using a laser printer to produce the hard copy worksheet. Eventually, digital images were added to the database to replace sketching and record photography. This database was the subject of a presentation at the 1998 AFTE training seminar in Tampa, Florida. At the urging of members of the audience it is now hoped to make this software available to the membership.

Overview
These worksheets were created using Microsoft Access 97. Microsoft Access is a relational database program. This allows the compilation and comparison of collected data. The firearm worksheets contain a histogram chart of the compiled trigger pulls, providing an objective basis for an opinion on the trigger pull of any firearm in question. All of the worksheets provide a space to embed a digital image of the evidence, replacing hand drawn sketches, or record photographs. A major advantage of this system is the production of well organized, easy-to-read hard copy worksheets for the laboratory case file. The major drawback to using a database approach to case notes is that databases continually grow, requiring significant computer hard drive space and a high capacity backup system. Fortunately, the computer industry has kept well ahead of our laboratory’s needs, providing high capacity hard drives and backup systems exceeding our needs at continually falling costs.

System Requirements
This program requires Windows 95, 98, or NT. It runs best on a midrange Pentium (P5-150) or faster IBM compatible personal computer (PC) equipped with 32 megabytes or more of random access memory (RAM). For worksheets with embedded digital images it is recommended that you acquire the fastest PC possible. Image acquisition and editing requires significant processing power and RAM to prevent the system from grinding to a crawl. Our current system employees a Pentium-II 400 equipped with 128 megabytes of SDRAM and two 4.2 gigabyte ultrawide SCSI-3 hard drives. The second hard drive is used for daily backups. For image acquisition we use a Snappy Video Snapshot attached to a black and white Cohu video camera. The images are processed with Corel Photo-Paint 8. The images and database are periodically transferred to recordable compact disks, freeing up hard drive space.

You may down load the worksheets by clicking here Worksheets.exe revision 12/07/2000.  This is a self-extracting zip file.

You will have to have Microsoft Access 97 to use them.

CONTACT FOR ASSISTANCE

As this program was developed for the needs of the Alaska system, it may not include some features needed by other departments. You may contact Bob Shem at (907) 269-5684 or if you would like assistance in setting this program up for your use.