AFTE 2008 Training Seminar- Workshops

Armorer's Courses and Workshops

Here is a list of CONFIRMED and PENDING workshops. The CONFIRMED workshops are now open for registration. Please check back for the listing of additional workshops.

SUNDAY

***FULL***

Source Tool Recognition Identification Approach (STRIA) for Cartridge Case Comparison – Part I
Instructor: Beta Tam

Sunday, May 18, 2008
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This two day workshop is designed to provide some ideas to the firearm examiner to articulate how and why identification could be formed. The workshop will include some practical exercises and reading materials. The following is an outline of the workshop:

Introduction
(a) Metallurgy & Mechanical Engineering concepts related to cartridge case identification
(b) The Source Tool Recognition Identification Approach

Tool Marks on Firearms

Tool Marks on fired cartridge cases
(a) Non Firing Marks
(b) Firing Marks

How marks are made on Fired Cartridge Cases

Variations in Firing Marks

Subclass Characteristics

Discussion on Interpretation of Significant Agreement of the Identification Theory

Cost: $50

The class is limited to 25 students and will be closed as soon as registration is filled.

NOTE: Part II is scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

________________________________________

***FULL***

Trajectory Reconstruction & 3D Scanning
Instructor: Lucien Haag, Forensic Science Services Inc.

Sunday, May 18, 2008
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This workshop serves as an introduction to proper trajectory measurement for newcomers, as well as a refresher for experienced examiners. Topics to be covered include, but may not be limited to:

The use of basic trajectory tools (rods, lasers, string, protractors, inclinometers)

The use of advanced tools (3D laser scanning with demonstrations and case examples)

This class will also use hands-on trajectory measurements by students as a method of analyzing the accuracy and precision of trajectory measurement.

Students are encouraged to bring a camera and note-taking material.

At this time the class size is limited to 20.

Cost: $50.00
________________________________________

TUESDAY

***CONFIRMED***

GSR Analysis: Interesting Scenarios & Problems Encountered
Instructor: John Webb, FBI Laboratory

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

This 4 hour workshop is presented by John Webb, a firearms examiner with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Webb had instructed the Muzzle-To-Target Distance Determination School for the past several years. This presentation will include a general overview of gunshot residue analysis, problems frequently encountered during examinations and interpretations, as well as a variety of interesting cases and scenarios.

The class is limited to 50 students and will be closed as soon as registration is filled.

Cost: $25

________________________________________

***FULL***

Barrel Manufacturing
Instructor: Allan Offringa, retired ATF
Sponsored by: Savage Range Systems

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

A complete abstract will be posted soon, but the following topics will be covered:

Broach cutting

Hammer forging

Button rifling

Chambering

Crowning

Reaming

This class is limited to 20 students and will be closed as soon as registration is filled.

Cost: $25

________________________________________

WEDNESDAY

***CONFIRMED***

Ammunition Identification and CartWinPro (New!!)
Instructor: Axel Manthei, CartWinPro

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

A common task for the firearm examiner is to identify the origin of a cartridge by the head stamp. A headstamp can be more than just the usual letters and numbers. It can contain abbreviations in foreign languages and Arabic numbers as well as symbols. But beyond this the arrangement of the information on the head stamp might be of importance. Special or meaningful codes may also be hidden on the headstamp amongst the more obvious information.

There are many caliber designations, and the difference in measurements can differ only by fractions of an inch. The determination of the correct caliber is, in many cases, easy by reading the headstamp. However, in some cases, even with readable information on the case head, it can be a difficult task. Demonstration will show how CartWinPro is applied in these cases.

Color codes will be discussed as an important means to describe the nature of the cartridge, and they may also be of importance in determining if the cartridge should not be fired in a particular type of range. Coding is usually standardized within a country or an organization, but may have a completely different meaning if it is from another source. Color codes are not only encountered on the bullet itself, but also in other locations such as the primer annulus, head stamp, or case mouth. Combinations of these codes may also be used to designate the type of cartridge.

With only a bullet from the crime scene, identifying the caliber and cartridge can be a difficult task. Measurement, documentation, and entry of a few parameters in CartWinPro can narrow down the possibilities to a small number, and might also point out some not so obvious ones.

In this workshop we will try to sharpen the eye for hidden details of cartridges, and how one can identify them using CartWinPro.

This class is limited to 50 students and will be closed as soon as registration is filled.

Cost: $25

________________________________________

***Cancelled***

UV/IR Digital Photography for Firearm Examiners
Instructor: Michael Brooks (retired FBI), owner/photographer of Brooks Photographic Imaging, LLC

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

I regret to inform you all that Michael Brooks will no longer be attending the AFTE 2008 Training Seminar due to a family medical situation. The UV/IR Digital Photography Workshop is now cancelled. The cost of the workshop was $25.00.

________________________________________

***CONFIRMED***

Barrel Manufacturing
Instructor: Allan Offringa, retired ATF
Sponsored by: Savage Range Systems

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

A complete abstract will be posted soon, but the following topics will be covered:

Broach cutting

Hammer forging

Button rifling

Chambering

Crowning

Reaming

This class is limited to 20 students and will be closed as soon as registration is filled.

Cost: $25

________________________________________

FRIDAY

***Confirmed***

Source Tool Recognition Identification Approach (STRIA) for Cartridge Case Comparison – Part II
Instructor: Beta Tam

Friday, May 23, 2008
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

NOTE: Part I is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

________________________________________

***CONFIRMED***

Basics of Firearm Mechanisms
Instructor: Robert Caunt, Vancouver Police Department

Friday, May 23, 2008
8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Consideration of the principles underlying common firearm design may reveal existing or incipient problems and dangers. Benefiting both the novice and experienced examiner, course material is presented from the perspective of performing mechanical assessments and failure/unintentional discharge analysis. Topics will include the general design and function of sear systems, locking systems, firing pins, extractors, ejectors, air guns, and other selected topics.

Material presentation is classroom based, with examples illustrated in PowerPoint and video.

Cost: $50.00

________________________________________

***CONFIRMED***

Integrity, Character and Ethics in the Forensic Sciences
Instructors: Dan Gunnell, Illinois State Police, Joliet Forensic Science Laboratory; William E. Demuth II, Illinois State Police, Forensic Science Center at Chicago

Friday, May 23, 2008
8:00 a.m. to noon

Ethics is one of the greatest challenges facing law enforcement today. If possible, this is even more applicable for Forensics. Today the Forensic Science community is increasingly under public scrutiny for all of its actions, making it essential that everyone is aware of the tremendous responsibility that they have and what is expected of them. The goal of this presentation is to provide individuals within the Forensic Science community a heightened awareness of both the ethical and value based issues that impact on their ability to perform their duties. Topics covered will include:

• Value Development
• The Ethical Continuum
• The Rationalized Left Shift
• Martin’s Law of Compounding Error
• The Hammer Model of Scientific Misconduct
• The DOOR model for issue resolution
• Video Case Studies of actual Forensic Misconduct Cases

The class is limited to 25 students and will be closed as soon as registration is filled.

Cost: $25

________________________________________

***CONFIRMED***

Critical Decision Making
Instructors: Dan Gunnell, Illinois State Police, Joliet Forensic Science Laboratory; William E. Demuth II, Illinois State Police, Forensic Science Center at Chicago

Friday, May 23, 2008
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

According to Rosenthal’s “Coping with Crisis” a crisis is characterized by three elements: threat, urgency, and uncertainty. The ability to make correct and timely decisions during a crisis is critical, particularly for the forensic science leader. Poor crisis decision-making, or the absence of decisions, potentially can produce results that are highly undesirable. The decision-making process is further complicated by various sources of uncertainty, questionable information, compressed time frames, environmental distractions and potential non-deterministic outcomes. This dynamic presentation is designed to provide professionals within the Forensic Science community a heightened awareness of the Critical Decision Making Process and thereby contribute to their ability to not only function, but excel in the current forensic environment. Topics covered will include:

• A review of the classical definition of leadership
• The 5 components of a crisis
• The 10 traits for critical decision making

This class is limited to 25 students and will be closed as soon as registration is filled.

Cost: $25

Ray Kusumi (Washington State Patrol Crime Lab)

rkusumi6806@msn.com

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