ATF
Forensic Science Laboratory –
(240) 264-3849
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA), announces the Class 2004 student application process. The NFEA is designed to provide firearm and toolmark-related training to federal, state and local apprentice/entry level firearm and toolmark examiners. This program consists of four phases and encompasses a one-year time period.
In order to be considered for entry into the NFEA, applicants must possess an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited academic institution with major course work in a science-related field. Applicants must also be assigned as a full time firearm/toolmark examiner trainee under the direction of a qualified trainer in a recognized law enforcement forensic laboratory. Target applicants include those who have been in a formal laboratory training program for a term not exceeding one year.
Applications must be postmarked no later than Friday,
Class 2004 will consist of fourteen (14) firearm and toolmark examiner trainees, with one alternate position. The alternate would be inserted into one of the fourteen regular student slots, should an opening become available. If not needed to fill a regular position, the alternate will be enrolled in the Class 2005 Academy. NFEA Staff and representatives from ATF Training & Professional Development will determine student selection. Selectees will be notified in mid-March.
Phase I of the
Academy involves approximately four months of in-house assignments. This “Pre-Course” phase includes written
administrative/protocol rules and regulations as they pertain to each
examiner’s individual laboratory; research papers in the fields of black
powder, evolution of early firearms and modern ammunition development; and the
history, principles, equipment and current developments in the field of
Firearms Identification. Most, but not
all, of the materials needed to complete these assignments will be provided to
the student by Academy staff. However,
each student will be required to conduct research and gather additional
references in order to complete the assignments. This phase is labor intensive – thirty to
forty hours per week may be needed to complete assignments. The proposed start date for Phase I is
Phase II of the
Academy will be held at the ATF Forensic Science Laboratory – Washington,
located in the Washington, DC suburb of Ammendale, Maryland. The tentative starting date for this phase
is
“Hands- On” phase is designed to be in classroom and laboratory settings. Students will participate in group and individual activities, practical exercises, written examinations, tours of ammunition, firearm and tool manufacturers, and local museums. Details of the blocks of training in this phase will be available for review prior to the beginning of Phase I for selected students.
During Phase II of the Academy, students will be housed at a local suite-style hotel or apartment complex. Lodging, as well as full per diem and travel, will be provided by ATF. Each student must arrange for local transportation while at the Academy, although area hotels typically provide local shuttle service, and Metro subway system is located throughout the DC area.
Phase
The final
segment, Phase IV, consists of a two-week “Follow-Up” program held in the
.
The attached application is in Word format. Copies of the new application will also be made available for downloading, as well as additional information, soon at ‘www.atf.gov’. On the web page, click on ‘Other Programs’ in the left-hand column, and then click on ‘Training’.
For additional information and inquiries regarding NFEA Class 2004, please contact Sheila Hopkins at (240) 264-1477, call me direct at (240) 264-3849, or e-mail at glen.beach@atf.gov.
Glen T. Beach, Laboratory Coordinator