Topic: FIREARMS AND TOOL MARKS CONSENSUS BOSY
Created By:
Lavanya Sri. S
Volunteer
Shivi Forensics
INTRODUCTION TO FIREARMS AND TOOL MARKS CONSENSUS BODY:
1. Association of Firearm and Tool mark Examiners (AFTE): It focusses on doing research, developing standards, and training in the field of toolmark and firearm identification.
2.Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC): It involves the development of standards in various forensic fields, including firearms and toolmark analysis.
3. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): It plays a crucial part in developing objective, scientifically proven technologies for toolmark and weapon analysis, as well as standardizing forensic science procedures.
HISTORY:
The advancement of forensic science, particularly in the areas of forensic ballistics and toolmark analysis, is linked to the history of the firearm and toolmark consensus body. The process of identifying a weapon or tool by analyzing the distinctive marks it leaves on materials like bullet casings or projectiles is known as "firearm and toolmark analysis.” A consensus body refers to a group of experts who establish standardized methods, best practices, and guidelines for discipline.
1. One of the earliest and most important consensus bodies for firearm and toolmark examiners is the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE), established in 1969. AFTE was formed by a group of professionals dedicated to improving the reliability and credibility of firearms and toolmark analysis. AFTE focuses on the development of standardized procedures, training, certification, and research within the field. It also publishes the AFTE Journal, a peer-reviewed scientific journal that helps in disseminating research findings and advances in the field.
2. NIST is one of the nation's oldest physical science laboratories. As technology evolved, so did the tools for firearms and toolmark analysis. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been involved in developing standards for forensic science, including firearm and toolmark identification. NIST’s efforts are focused on improving the objectivity and repeatability of the analysis using 3D imaging and statistical methods. NIST often works with other organizations, including AFTE and the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), to ensure that the scientific principles guiding firearm and toolmark analysis are robust and defensible in court.
3. The OSAC, under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was established in 2014. OSAC's Forensic Science Standards Board oversees several subcommittees, including the Firearms and Tool marks Subcommittee, which is responsible for setting standards in firearm and tool mark identification. OSAC promotes standardization across forensic disciplines by developing and reviewing guidelines, standards, and best practices that are evidence-based and scientifically sound. In recent years, there has been greater collaboration between U.S.-based organizations like AFTE and international bodies, such as the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI), to harmonize firearm and tool mark analysis standards worldwide.
ASSOCIATION OF FIREARM AND TOOL MARK EXAMINERS(AFTE):
"Integrity and Excellence in Firearm and Tool mark Identification"
FUNCTIONS:
• It plays a crucial role in supporting Forensic experts who work in crime labs, law enforcement agencies, and legal systems to ensure accurate and reliable evidence analysis related to Firearms and Tool marks.
• AFTE conducts seminars, workshops, and certifications to ensure that professionals in the fields stay updated with the latest technique, tools, and research developments.
• AFTE sets and promotes standards for firearm and toolmark examination.
• Through AFTE journal, they publish research papers, case studies, and reviews that contribute to the body of knowledge in the forensic community.
• AFTE plays an advocacy role by helping courts understand the science behind firearms and toolmark evidence. It works to clarify the reliability and validity of evidence, particularly in high profile cases.
WORKING:
1. AFTE has membership which is open to individuals in the forensic examination of firearms, toolmarks, and related fields. They have membership in various categories.
2. They have various committees that work on specialized aspects of firearm and toolmark identification, such as research, ethics, and legal issues. These committees help guide the organization’s direction and ensure it meets the evolving needs for the forensic community.
• OSAC is responsible for developing and promoting standards and best practices for forensic science disciplines, with the goal of improving the quality and reliability of forensic evidence used in the Criminal Justice System.
• It facilitates collaboration between scientific experts, researchers, forensic practitioners, and legal professionals.
• OSAC ensures that the developed standards are scientifically valid and applicable to real world cases.
• OSAC reviews and evaluates existing forensic standards to determine if they meet scientific and legal requirements.
• OSAC's work contributes to enhancing public safety and improving the accuracy of forensic evidence presented in courtrooms. By promoting scientifically sound forensic methods, the organization helps reduce wrongful convictions and strengthens the integrity of forensic testimony.
WORKING:
1. OSAC is composed of 5 main Scientific Area Committees (SACs), they are Biology/ DNA SAC, Chemistry Analysis SAC, Physics SAC, Crime scene/Death investigation SAC, Digital SAC.
2. OSAC follows a systematic process to develop standards.
a. Identifying areas in need of standards.
b. Reviewing relevant scientific research and existing standards.
c. Drafting new or revised standards.
d. Seeking input and feedback from stakeholders, including public comment.
e. Submitting standards for formal approval by Standard development organizations like ASTM international or Academy Standards Board (ASB).
3.OSAC's work is organized through its committees and subcommittees, each focused on a specific forensic discipline.
FUNCTIONS:
• NIST plays a crucial role in various sectors, including scientific research, public safety, cyber security, forensics and more.
• NIST is responsible for developing and maintaining measurement standards used across various industries.
• NIST collaborates with OSAC to ensure that forensic science practices are scientifically valid and legally sound.
WORKING:
1. NIST have several research laboratories that focus on different areas of science and technology. They develop standards or revise the old standards based on their research.
2. NIST works with several international standards organizations to develop, maintain, and distribute standards. They provide guidelines and standards to various sectors, institutes, and government agencies.
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