Unless designated otherwise, workshop
times are as follows:
Full Day: 8AM - 5PM
1/2 Day Morning: 8AM - 12PM
1/2 Day Afternoon: 1PM - 5PM
1. Metallurgy Seminar: Materials
Selection, Manufacturing Processes and Performance of Firearms, Ammunition &
Accessory Items as Related to Firearms Examinations
Instructor: Frederick Schmidt, Ph.D., P.E., AFTE
Technical Advisor, and Past Chief Metallurgist Remington Arms
½ Day - Sunday
Morning
This seminar will be a practical exposé of how classic
materials and manufacturing methods relate to witness mark identification in
the broadest sense. Our speaker aka “Mur Doc”, after he retired from DuPont
Remington, has been an independent forensic investigator focused on
explosions, fires, firearms, ammunition. The ASTM methods for preserving,
harvesting, and matching physical evidence to clarify issues will be taught.
Dr. Schmidt has testified in city, state, federal courts, in civil,
criminal, military and arbitration proceedings.
The seminar will include:
• a short introduction to metallurgy & tool mark science
• A detailed review of actual Mis-Adventures of Firearm & Ammo catastrophic
failures
• Types of Design & Manufacturing limits and examples that prove the “Root
Cause” of the incidents
• Each attendee will use ASTM E-1351 to make an Acetate Replica of forensic
evidence to take home
• Individual case history investigations will be reviewed where the class
will select from a list the type of investigation and subject
Students are encouraged to bring written questions, items of evidence, and
mystery questions for evaluation i.e. “stump the expert” genre. Handouts
will be provided.
Maximum of 40 participants. Cost $50
2. Talking Bullets and Talking Cartridge Cases
- FULL
Instructor: Lucien C (Luke) Haag
All Day - Sunday
“The gun speaks - - - and the message of the gun is
there to read by one who knows the language.” G.G. Kelly 1963
This workshop addresses the multitude of marks on cartridge cases beyond the
firing pin and breechface marks that have a story to tell to those that are
thoughtful and attentive to the issues in the case. These marks include
slide drag marks, slide scuffmarks, magazine lip marks, three types of
extractor marks, ejector marks and ejection port marks. While they are
seldom used for identification purposes, these marks do have a significant,
often definitive ability to reveal how a firearm was or was not used. In
some cases this may be more important than the routine identification
process.
The location, nature and sequence of damage suffered by bullets during such
events as ricochet, perforation of one or more intermediate objects and/or
impact with bone in a gunshot victim is often considered a hindrance to
identification efforts. Just as with cartridge cases, these areas of damage
and any associated trace evidence embedded in them can provide critically
important reconstructive information.
This 1-day workshop will provide multiple case examples of bullets and
cartridge cases whose stories resolved critical issues in the shooting
incidents from which they came.
Waitlist Cost $70
3. History of Ammunition
Instructor: George Kass - Forensic Ammunition
½ Day - Thursday Morning
This workshop will address the history of various types of
current and obsolete ammunition. Current manufacturing and production trends
will also be discussed.
Maximum of 30 participants. Cost $35
4. Magna Flux Serial Number Restoration/Deciphering Barcodes
Instructors: Sheila Hopkins, Jodi Marsonopoli and
Kristen Gerber -
BATFE (Ammendale)
½ Day - Thursday Morning
This workshop will address the theory and practical
application of the Magnaflux technique for visualizing obliterated serial
numbers. Time will also be spent discussing and deciphering “Barcode 39”
type barcodes. Participants are required to bring their own lab
coat and eye protection.
Maximum of 40 participants. Cost $35
5.
Ammunition Identification Using CartWin
Pro
Instructor: Axel Manthei - Manthei Mess Systeme
½ Day - Thursday Morning
This workshop is designed to introduce the novice user
with the features and capabilities of the CartWinPro software with regard to
identifying unknown ammunition.
CartWinPro
is a software for the quick and professional identification of cartridges
and calibres. It is designed for the use by police/forensic experts,
military specialist, government facilities, firearms and ammunition experts,
museums or other institutions. The database contains a huge number of
calibre measurements, color code, headstamp, manufacturer and complete
cartridge records. New records for all four databases can be entered by the
user.
Maximum of 30 participants. Cost $35
6. Chicago True Crime – Case Studies
- FULL
Instructors: Bill Sherlock – Illinois State Police
(Ret.), Chicago Police Department (Ret.)
Chris Bily – West Virginia University
½ Day - Thursday Morning
St. Valentine’s Day Massacre & The History of the
Chicago Police Crime Laboratory 1938 to 1996
This portion of the workshop gives a history of the Chicago Police Crime
Laboratory as a result of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. This gives some
insight as to what was going on in Chicago before the massacre and the
investigation that followed after the massacre. The workshop will give the
attendees a look at some of the individuals that played a big part in the
events of the roaring 20's.
The Real Crime of the Century: The Richard Speck Case
Revisited
In 1966 Richard Speck murdered 8 student nurses on the south side of
Chicago. Crimes of this nature were unheard of at this time. These murders
not only shocked the city of Chicago, but also the nation and the world. The
mass murder of 8 nurses robbed this country of its innocence, introduced the
term mass murder, and forever changed the landscape of crime in the United
States. This presentation was put together based on the case files of the
Assistant State’s Attorney that was charged with bringing Richard Speck to
justice. It contains all original photographs, documents, and video clips.
Waitlist Cost $35
7. Firearms Markings - What Do They Indicate?
- FULL
Instructor: Allan Offringa - Savage Range Systems
½ Day - Thursday Afternoon
This workshop will address the various manufacturer
markings found on both domestic and imported firearms and just what
information can be gleaned from them.
Waitlist Cost $35
8. Imaging and Metrology for Forensic
Applications
-
FULL
Instructors: Bob Cowden – Leica Microsystems
Bill Henderson – Leica Microsystems
½ Day - Thursday Afternoon
Imaging
This portion of the workshop will cover general concepts regarding imaging
within Forensic Applications including:
- Important optical considerations in designing microscopes and digital
imaging systems.
- Selecting and optimizing illumination sources for a variety of
applications.
- Digital imaging - camera components and features - are more megapixels
always better?
Metrology
This portion of the workshop will cover general concepts regarding metrology
within Forensic Applications including:
- Obtaining microscopic measurements on macroscopic surfaces.
- Repeatability of confocal microscope for forensic analysis.
- Mathematical comparison of surfaces with complex form removal.
Waitlist Cost $35
9. Contemporary Issues in Firearms Identification
- FULL
Instructors: Ron Nichols - BATFE (Walnut Creek)
Andy Smith - San Francisco PD
All Day - Thursday
In recent years firearms identification has come under
increased scrutiny from various sources including academics, courts,
newspaper articles, magazine articles, and federally funded studies. It is
important to be aware of these areas of concern being addressed because
these criticisms and critiques are being brought up in court proceedings
across the country. This workshop is designed to give the attendee an
overview of the most contemporary issues facing the firearm and tool mark
examiner community. The workshop will be constructed in a lecture and
question / answer format. The attendees will receive instruction and
materials on four (4) different contemporary issues. During each of the four
separate lectures class participation and discussion periods will be
integral to the success and knowledge gained from the workshop.
Waitlist Cost $70
10. BATFE Machine Gun Conversions/Silencers
for Experts -
FULL
Instructors: Max Kingery and Rick Vazquez - Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
All Day - Thursday (8:30AM-4:30PM)
Machine gun conversions
This class will instruct the student on what constitutes a “machinegun”
according to the federal definition. It will also provide PowerPoint and
hands on examples of common conversion methods. The class will not teach you
how to conduct a conversion; but, assist the examiner in identifying a
potential machinegun or attempted machinegun conversion(s). Class will be
given by means of lecture, PowerPoint presentation and hands-on training
samples.
Silencers for Experts
This class will instruct the student on what constitutes a “silencer”
according to the federal definition. Topics concerning methods of testing
and classification; testifying in court; and assisting in developing search
warrants, will also be discussed. The class will be given by means of
lecture, PowerPoint presentation and hands-on examples.
This workshop will be held off-site at the Illinois State Police Forensic
Science Center at Chicago (FSC-C). Round trip transportation between the
Drake Hotel and FSC-C is included in the cost of the workshop. Please
assemble in the lobby of the Drake Hotel at 7:45AM. The busses will
depart promptly at 8:00AM.
Waitlist Cost $85
11. Source Tool Recognition
Identification Approach (STRIA) For Cartridge Case Comparison – Workshop I -
FULL
Instructor: Beta Tam - Independent Firearms Examiner
and Instructor, Hong Kong
All Day - Thursday
This one day workshop is designed to provide some ideas to
firearms examiners to articulate how and why identifications can be formed.
The workshop includes practical exercises & reading materials. Topics
covered include:
- Introduction
- Metallurgy & Mechanical Engineering Concepts
Related to Cartridge Case Identification
- The Source Tool Recognition Identification
Approach
- Tool Marks on Firearms
- Tool Marks on Fired Cartridge Cases
- Non-Firing Marks
- Firing marks
- How marks are made on Fired Cartridge Cases
Waitlist Cost $70
12. FAL SA58 Rifle Armorer's Course
(1-Day Course)
Instructors: Mike Keefe and John Krupa III - Spartan
Tactical Training Group
All Day - Thursday or Friday (8:30AM-4:30PM)
The DS Arms FAL SA58 rifle Armorer’s Course is
specifically designed for current and prospective department armorers
involved in field repair and maintenance of the DS Arms FAL SA58 rifle. This
hands on course provides the student with detailed information covering
nomenclature, cycle of operation, basic and detailed disassembly &
reassembly, function checking, troubleshooting, basic field repair and
preventive maintenance. Students receive a 3 year armorer certification upon
completion of this course.
This workshop will be held off-site at the Illinois State Police Forensic
Science Center at Chicago (FSC-C). Round trip transportation between the
Drake Hotel and FSC-C is included in the cost of the workshop. Both sessions
cover the same material. Please sign up for only one. Please assemble
in the lobby of the Drake Hotel at 7:45AM. The busses will depart
promptly at 8:00AM.
Maximum of 20 participants per session. Cost $85
13. Integrity, Character, and Ethics in
the Forensic Sciences
Instructors: Dan B. Gunnell - Illinois State Police,
Joliet Forensic Science Laboratory
William E. Demuth II – Illinois State Police, Forensic Science Center at
Chicago
½ Day - Friday Morning
Ethics is one of the greatest challenges facing law
enforcement today. If possible, this is even more applicable to 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 workshop is to provide individuals within the Forensic Sciences
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
Maximum of 40 participants. Cost $35
14. Critical Decision Making
Instructors: Dan B. Gunnell - Illinois State Police,
Joliet Forensic Science Laboratory
William E. Demuth II – Illinois State Police, Forensic Science Center at
Chicago
½ Day - Friday Afternoon
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, can potentially 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 workshop 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 Five Components of a Crisis
• The Ten Traits for Critical Decision Making
Maximum of 40 participants. Cost $35
15. Hi-Point Firearms
Familiarization/Armorer's Course
Instructor: Tom Deeb - Hi-Point Firearms, Owner
½ Day - Friday Afternoon
This course will discuss the Hi-Point product line as well
as the assembly/disassembly, serial numbering system, and the manufacturing
processes utilized by the company. There will be a hands-on portion of the
course using actual Hi-Point firearms.
This workshop will be held off-site at the Illinois State Police Forensic
Science Center at Chicago (FSC-C). Round trip transportation between the
Drake Hotel and FSC-C is included in the cost of the workshop. Please
assemble in the lobby of the Drake Hotel at 12:15PM. The busses will
depart promptly at 12:30PM.
Maximum of 40 participants. Cost $45
16. Scientifically Defensible Criteria for the
Identification of Toolmarks
- FULL
Instructors: John E. Murdock - Contra Costa County
Office of the Sheriff
Bruce R. Moran - Sacramento County District Attorney
All Day - Friday
(7:30AM - 6PM)
This comprehensive workshop will begin with a discussion
of the chronology of the history of criteria for identification of toolmarks
to include time spent on subclass characteristics, Consecutive Matching
Striae and how it applies to Frye and Daubert admissibility hearings,
photographic documentation of identifications, and the defense of impressed
toolmark identifications. Time will also be spent with the practical
application of counting striae through a series of hands on exercises. The
workshop will conclude with a general review and discussion of training
protocols, casework examples, and courtroom testimony and preparation.
Waitlist Cost $70
17. Source Tool Recognition
Identification Approach (STRIA) For Cartridge Case Comparison – Workshop II
Instructor: Beta Tam - Independent Firearms Examiner
and Instructor, Hong Kong
All Day - Friday
This one day workshop is Part II of the STRIA workshop
series and is designed to provide advanced practical application of STRIA
comparison including variations in firing marks and how to address subclass
characteristics. Although this is considered a continuation of Part I, prior
attendance in the STRIA Part I workshop is not required. Topics covered
include:
- Variations in Firing Marks
- Subclass Characteristics
- Discussion on Interpretation of Significant
Agreement of the Identification Theory
Maximum of 30 participants. Cost $70
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AFTE 2011
> 2011 Workshops
