This 9-month
training program is designed to provide the training needed to
perform the principal firearms and toolmark examinations such
as determination of possible weapons in no-gun cases, evidence
weapon examinations for function and safety, and bullet &
cartridge case comparisons. The program includes an introduction
to the Consecutive Matching Stria model of toolmark identification,
and instruction in expert courtroom testimony.
The curriculum
includes formal courses and supervised laboratory training. Students
come to CCI for each separate class and return to their laboratories
to complete assigned practical exercises. The laboratory should
assign the student an experienced examiner as a mentor who takes
responsibility for guidance and evaluation of student work.
Competency testing is also the responsibility of the laboratory
and is not included in the Academy. The Academy comprises
the following courses:
E
101 Firearms Safety in a Laboratory Environment (E101 is a
prerequisite for the remainder of the classes.)
E
102 Firearms & Toolmarks Introduction I
E103
Firearms & Toolmarks Introduction II
E201
Toolmark Criteria for Identification
E
111 Serial Number Restoration
E
420 Special Topics Firearms Function & Design
E
425 Firearms Factory Tours (Open
to Firearms Academy Students Only)
A103
Courtroom Presentation of Evidence
A
120 Technical Writing for Criminalists
