NCJ Number
172052
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 42 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1997) Pages: 461-465
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A survey was conducted to ascertain how many forensic laboratories have firearms reference collections, the use made of them, and the views of examiners about replacing them with images derived from modern information technology.
Abstract
A questionnaire was mailed to 650 members of the Association of Firearm and Toolmaker Examiners located in forensic science laboratories around the world. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information on how many laboratories had firearms reference collections, the size of the firearms sections and collections, their composition, and the uses made of the collections. Replies were received from 105 laboratories in 18 countries. Of the 105 responding laboratories, 87 reported they maintain a collection; 17 indicated they did not have reference collections but had access to one. Only one laboratory indicated it neither had a collection nor had access to one. Over 20 percent of the laboratories did not have a legal basis for their collection. Individual collections ranged in size from 17 to 5,250, with a median of 800 and a modal value of between 500 and 1,000 firearms. Uses of the collections included for training examiners, training others, checking functioning, checking specification, demonstration to police and courts, research, and repairs. Although most examiners are prepared to consider using images in lieu of the reference collection, the use of collections for such purposes as repairs and research would preclude the use of images for these functions. 6 tables, 3 figures, appended survey questionnaire, and 5 references