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Excellent papers presented all day!  The abstracts for each can be found below.

 

Schedule

Morning Moderator: Pete Striupaitis
Afternoon Moderator:  Jamie Becker

General Session:  Salons D, E, F

7:00 AM		Registration
8:00 AM		Teeth as Tools and Weapons
		Dr. David Sweet, Bureau of Legal Dentistry, University of British Columbia As a forensic odontologist interested in the objective and precise physical comparison of bitemark injuries to the teeth of suspects, Dr. David Sweet is relentless in his pursuit of accuracy.  He has developed physical comparison methods that are directly related to the principles and techniques used by toolmark examiners based on his experiences in working with these experts.  Dr. Sweet is routinely asked to teach odontologists why human and animal bitemarks should be considered forensic toolmarks.  During this presentation, Dr. Sweet will provide insights into this challenging and very important aspect of forensic odontology.  You may be surprised by what he has to say.
8:45 AM		Modification to a Flare/Tear Gas Pen Gun- A Case Study
		Garry Lawrence, Centre of Forensic Sciences, Toronto This presentation will detail the examination and features of an interesting Flare/Gas Pen Gun, and associated cartridge case submitted as evidence to the laboratory. The firearm was examined to determine its function and its classification under the Criminal Code of Canada. An overview will be presented of the characteristics of this gun, and interchangeable firing pin. The presentation will also describe the simple modification of the Flare/Tear Gas cartridge case to create a barrel for the pen gun. The process used to test fire the Flare/Tear Gas pen gun and the accuracy resulting from the test firing will also be addressed. It was concluded that the item is classified as a prohibited firearm, due to the length of the barrel created through the use of the cartridge case.
9:00 AM		What’s Happening at Savage
		Carl Hildebrandt, Savage Arms, Inc. This presentation will describe what is happening at Savage Arms with the development of new concepts in design and manufacturing processes.  It will also include a detailed look at the Savage AccuTrigger.
9:20 AM		Recall/Safety Warning List Update
		Dominic Denio, FBI The firearm and ammunition recall/safety warning list is updated annually. Mr. Denio will discuss how to use the list as well as the criteria for inclusion of a recall or warning. Copies of the 2004 update will be distributed to all members in good standing.
9:30 AM		Break held in Exhibitor’s Area – Salons A, B
		Sponsored by Forensic Technology, Inc.
10:00 AM		ATF National Firearms Examiner Academy
		Glen T. Beach, ATF Forensic Science Laboratory This presentation will include an overview of the most recent Academy class, the graduates and a brief rundown about the upcoming class.  The student selected by the NFEA Staff to represent the graduating class will be introduced.
10:10 AM		Cartilage Stabbing with Consecutively Manufactured Knives: A Response to Ramirez v. State of Florida
		Charles M. Clow, Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences Within the past few decades, techniques of identification within the forensic sciences have come under attack in the legal arena.  Ramirez v. State of Florida is one such example. This research utilizes ten consecutively manufactured knives to produce stab wounds in cartilage in order to: validate previous research by further confirming that knives used in a stabbing motion produce unique marks, confirm that cartilage is a medium capable of accepting a toolmark and confirm that the toolmarks produced in cartilage are potentially identifiable. This research confirms what toolmark examiners already know to be true.
10:40 AM		Homicide or Suicide: A Shooting Reconstruction
		Alexander Jason, Pinole, CA Objectives: To provide insight into technological methods and analytical techniques used in the analysis and reconstruction of shooting incidents. Methodology: Computer analysis of crime scene photographs and live fire testing of exemplar firearms. Results: The question of homicide or suicide is the primary issue in this shooting death. The lack of forensic resources, training, and skills by law enforcement in an East African nation made the investigation of this shooting very difficult and raised questions about the manner of death. This presentation demonstrates the multi-disciplinary approach to the analysis and reconstruction of a shooting incident by the use of digital image enhancement, photographic modeling, visual comparisons, 3D computer animation and other technological techniques combined with bloodstain pattern interpretation, firearms testing, and standard crime scene analysis. Conclusions: There were significant problems within the police analysis of the incident.
11:05 AM		Borescopes:  An Affordable New Tool For Forensic Scientists
		Ken Harrington, Gradient Lens Corporation This presentation will introduce the forensic science community to the borescope.  Topics will include:                 The evolution of borescopes Borescopes vs. endoscopes Applications for borescopes The shooting application Evidence in shooting Other applications in forensics Other forensic evidence How they work Adding video and photography Care and maintenance Gradient Lens Corporation The presentation will conclude with a series of untitled photographs to challenge audience members to guess what is being shown.  The winner of the Borescope Evidence Challenge will receive a Hawkeye Precision Borescope donated by Gradient Lens Corporation.
11:45 AM		AFTE 2005
		James Hamby
12:00 PM		Lunch – Stanley Park Ballroom
1:15 PM		Science of Fracture Matching and Validation Studies
		Dr. Horst Katterwe, Bundeskriminalamt, Wiesbaden, Germany A forensic laboratory is often asked to prove whether two or more pieces of broken material were, at one time, attached to one another. This matching of surfaces is based on geographic features of the fractured surfaces: “pattern fit analysis”. However, there are current challenges to this practice by toolmark examiners of carrying out fracture matches. Although such comparison have long been undertaken by forensic experts, these challenges may be persuasive to the courts due to a serious lack of scientific research on this subject and validation of the various techniques for associating two or more separated objects. This report gives an overview about repetitive experiments relating to fracture matching. Different types of loading and various types of engineering materials are used: impact experiments (static, dynamic), tensile tests and bending experiments with glass, polymers and metals. The results of the experiments are: even if the experiments were carried out under controlled and repetitive conditions - and with the same material – the fractured surfaces show different details and features. The fracture processes (including the cracks) contain inherently individualizing potential. The scientific interpretation of the experimental results of the fractured surfaces relies on an understanding of the fundamental nature and properties of matter. Matter (“stuff”) is composed of and ordered to chemical and physical principles. The starting points for answering the “legal questions” are based in the fundamentals of physics and chemistry, especially in engineering fracture mechanics. The appearances of fractures are originated through the combination of a large number of factors, like the type and the condition of the material as well as the load conditions. The condition of the material depends on the microstructure, particularly the grain size and precipitations, the degree of deformation, aging processes, internal stress states, textures and dissolved gases. The load condition includes the stress condition, the rate of loading, the material temperature and the environmental influences (corrosive media). The applied load incorporates static, dynamic; tension, compression, bending, torsion; uni- or multi-axial, and therewith also the geometry of the component. In conclusion it will be pointed out, that these microfractographical principles yield a wealth of information, which leads to an understanding of the various fracture processes and shows that the fracture surfaces emanate mostly from purely accidental and in no case exactly predictable mechanism. For these reasons, the fracture surfaces must be considered as individual characteristics and therefore important for the interpretation in cases of matching, leading to the conclusion of sharing a unique common origin. Finally, this paper will confirm that the field of “fracture matching” satisfies the criteria established by Daubert for expert testimony.
1:55 PM		Benefits of 3D Imaging Applied to Bullet Analysis
		Serge Labrecque, Forensic Technology, Inc. Objectives: Benefits of 3D imaging Challenges of 3D imaging Work performed to overcome the challenges Latest results of 3D imaging Methodology:      Sensor selection criteria 3D imaging of the NIST bullet 3D Wrap-around mosaic algorithm Photo-realistic rendering of 3D imaging Early visual match Results:               Selected sensor Automatic anchor line detection Automatic realignment of striation marks Visual matches on LEA and GEA Technology applied to other pieces of evidence Conclusions:        The benefits of 3D imaging applied to bullet analysis are becoming more and more apparent. Key benefits include increased automation, potential increase in correlation accuracy and increased viewing ability of evidence.
2:25 PM		Using Precise Lead Isotope Ratios in Shooting Incident Investigations
		Dr. Arie Zeichner, Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel Police A study was conducted to examine the potential of the high variation of the four lead isotope compositions in projectiles and primers in shooting incident investigations. In this study we attempted to link between firearms, fired projectiles and gunshot entries. Multi-Collector ICP/MS was used to analyze precise lead isotope ratios in primers, projectiles, firearms discharge residues (FDR) in barrels of firearms and in the gunshot entries. .22 inch caliber plain lead and plated ammunition and 9 mm Luger full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition, using semiautomatic pistols were employed in shooting experiments. Cotton cloth served as target material and two firing ranges were tested: 1 cm (near contact) and 2 m ranges. A high discrimination of the lead isotope ratios  in the examined ammunitions was obtained by the Multi-Collector ICP/MS.  It was observed that it is impossible to remove completely the lead deposits “the lead memory” from previous shootings in a barrel by mechanical or chemical means. Nonetheless, it was found that the lead deposits in the gunshot entries are very similar in the lead isotope ratios to the lead of the fired projectiles that hit the targets, in particular from the short ranges. Also a similarity was found in the lead isotope ratios between the lead deposits in the barrel of a firearm and the lead of the last fired projectile. These results indicate that the analysis of the lead isotope ratio may be used to associate firearms, ammunition and gunshot entries.
2:45 PM		Break held in Exhibitor’s Area – Salons A, B
		Sponsored by Forensic Technology, Inc.
3:15 PM		Ballistic ID Tagging – A Further Look
		Lucien Haag, Forensic Science Services The developer of this new and novel technique presented a paper at AFTE 2003.  The technique has since taken the name Ballistic ID Tagging™ and, in its simplest form, involves the laser-embossing of identifying letters and/or numbers on the face of a firing pin. The basic concept is that an examiner can simply read the unique identifying information stamped in the primer of a fired cartridge recovered from the scene of a shooting incident. This information could include make, model and serial number of the responsible firearm. The implications of this technology are obvious. Such a simple and straightforward procedure would be vastly cheaper than proposed ballistic imaging databases and search routines but a number of questions occurred to this examiner as I watched the presentation and later inspected a number of test-fired cartridge cases provided by the speaker, Todd Lizotte. These questions included the persistence of the identifying markings with a large number of shots, their readability with hard military primers, with totally lacquered primers, with misfired cartridges, with firearms generating very high pressures and in firearms where the tip of the firing pin consistently produces a scrape mark.  The manufacturer was contacted and subsequently embossed the tips of firing pins from several machine guns, a submachine gun and a Glock pistol for a variety of tests by this examiner. Some selected slides from the tests carried out will show that the various characters on all of these firing pins were easily readable in all types of primers tested and after hundreds of shots.
3:35 PM		Distance Determination based on Pseudo-Powder Stippling
		Lucien Haag, Forensic Science Services This case involves a fatal, close-range shotgun shooting in which apparent powder stippling was, in fact, due to the plastic buffer material in the fired shotshell. This particulate material behaves in the same manner as unburned and partially burned powder particles insofar as its ability to stipple the skin surrounding the entry wound when the shot occurs at close range. Both the dimensions and density of the stippling pattern in the decedent’s skin were used in conjunction with test-fired patterns to estimate the range of fire. This was of critical importance in testing the account of the incident provided by the decedent’s paramour.
3:50 PM		Maki Ballistic Medium
		Lucien Haag, Forensic Science Services Properly prepared and calibrated 10% ordnance gelatin has become the standard form of gelatin for evaluating the wound ballistics of small arms projectiles. Specially formulated proprietary glycerin soap compositions have been developed and used extensively in Europe for this same purpose. Several of these such as the Swiss and Yugoslav formulations give penetration results equivalent to muscle tissue and 10%w/w ordnance gelatin at 40C.  These ballistic soaps and ordnance gelatin each have their advantages and limitations but until the development of Maki Ballistic Medium (MBM) it has been pointless to discuss the merits of non-gelatin products since they are not readily available in the U.S. or Canada. For the last two years the author has worked with Mr. Thomas Hassapis (a specialty soap chemist) to develop a unique soft soap formulation that is comparable to 10% ordnance gelatin in projectile penetration and expansion but with a number of advantages over gelatin. These include: no preparation necessary, room temperature storage before and after shooting, shooting at room temperature, improved insight into bullet behavior during penetration, no ‘snap-back’, easy cleanup and reusability of the product.  This presentation will illustrate a variety of uses for MBM and its equivalency with standard 40C - 10% ordnance gelatin.
4:10 PM		Identification Criteria in the Digital Photographic Age
		Tsuneo Uchiyama, National Research Institute of Police Science, Japan Objectives: According to the general use of digital photographs, it becomes routine to attach many comparison photographs for describing identification results. We have a chance to develop new identification criteria using these digital comparison photographs. It becomes easier to share the best known non-match photos or the example of matched photos with less matched lines. Methodology: The author made use of digital microscopic photographs for the past four years and many comparison photographs have been accumulated. These photographs provide material to discuss identification criteria. The main purpose of this presentation is show these photos and consider identification criteria. Results: The degree of change in the markings from shot to shot is rather extensive. An examiner sometimes needs to identify with a small number of characteristic markings. Characteristic markings are often deep, however shallow markings become decisive on some occasions. On the other hand, the extent of marking variety is also wide within the same type of firearm. An examiner needs criteria to eliminate apparently different markings quickly. Conclusions: As we have a large variety of exhibits under various conditions, identification criteria may have many phases. Digital Photographs are convenient to share comparison photographs and essential for discussing identification criteria.
4:40 PM		Interference in the Modified Greiss Test: Sources and Solutions
		Cole Goater, Illinois State Police Crime Laboratory Objectives: The Modified Greiss Test continues to be a standard tool in the firearm examiner’s arsenal, particularly in cases where the muzzle-to-garment distance is of use in reconstructing the events of the crime or in determining the veracity of eyewitness descriptions.  One of the potential difficulties in its use, particularly before an astute oppositional attorney remains the possibility of interference from non-firearm sources, such as disinfectant spray and inorganic nitrites.  Illumination of various sources for interference will be provided, as well as ways to discriminate between interference and legitimate gunshot residue, when possible. Methodology: Standard Modified Greiss procedures will be performed on cloth pieces exposed to likely interfering substances, as well as cloth pieces exposed to gunshot residues.  Differentiation between Griess positives resulting from interfering substances and gunshot residues will be attempted, utilizing pattern recognition and possibly chemical testing, as appropriate. Results: Results currently being generated. Conclusions: Conclusions to be generated upon completion of this study.

				Evening Schedule	Location
7:00 PM	-		9:00 PM	Hi Point Familiarization Course	Mackenzie
7:00 PM	-		9:00 PM	Savage Armourer’s Course	Seymour
7:00 PM	-		9:00 PM	Variations in Breech Face and Firing Pin Marks Workshop	Thompson

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Copyright © 2001 Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE).
All rights reserved.  Revised: May 26, 2004.