Traceability for ballistics signature measurements in forensic science

• NCJ Number: 303989
• Author(s): John Song; Theodore Vorburger; Susan Ballou ; Li Ma ; Thomas Renegar ; Alan Zheng; Martin Ols
• Date Published: December 2009
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2003-IJ-R-029; 2008-DN-R-121
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Corporate Author: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Measurement (December 2009) Vol 42, Issue 10, Pages 1433-1438

Annotation

In this paper, basic concepts and specific requirements for establishing ballistics measurement traceability are introduced.

 

Abstract

Three key issues are discussed: (1) establishing a reference standard; (2) establishing an unbroken chain of calibrations; and (3) evaluating measurement uncertainty for both the geometrical topography measurements and the optical image correlations of the ballistics signatures. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has developed the Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2460 Bullets and 2461 Casings. NIST has also developed a 2D and 3D Topography Measurement and Correlation System for ballistics signature measurements. This system includes stylus instruments and a confocal microscope for 2D and 3D topography measurements, and a 2D and 3D topography correlation program developed by NIST. NIST and ATF are proposing to establish a National Ballistics Measurement Traceability and Quality System using these materials. (publisher abstract modified)