Topic: 15th annual Yuma Proving Ground Forensic test session, 2006

[Jim Roberts]

The 15th Annual Yuma Proving Ground Forensic Firearms Test Session will occur on Saturday Dec.9, 2006.  Due to Scheduling issues this is a tentative date and my need to be changed to allow Army priorities to be accommodated, it will be confirmed two weeks in advance.  Each fall since 1992 the U.S. Army Yuma Proving ground, along with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Southern California Firearms Study Group, has hosted a test session to allow the forensic science community to study exterior ballistics and other firearms and forensic related issues. YPG offers us the use of Doppler radar and high-speed video equipment to do whatever experiments we wish, as long as they are safe to conduct.

Anyone who wishes to attend should contact Jon Tew at e-mail:  JTew@azdps.gov or me at e-mail: James.Roberts@ventura.org , or phone (805) 477-1947.  Anyone who has not attended one of the sessions in the past must provide Jon Tew, at the above e-mail address, with the necessary security information by early November.  Anyone with an experiment to propose should contact me, Jim Roberts, at the above e-mail address or phone number as soon as possible.  A detailed proposal should be sent that includes the theory to be tested or phenomena to be documented, experiment design details, number of shots and special equipment needed.  Time will be tight this year and people must minimize shots needed and delays involved in their test design to keep things moving. Experiments should not, however, be compromised by firing too few rounds for some statistical validity to exist; I would recommend a minimum of 3 shots per parameter tested.

We also need a list of all firearms and ammunition that will be brought onto the base.  This must be supplied in advance and can best be supplied when your experiment is submitted.  Do not expect to be able to bring firearms or ammunition onto YPG that you have not documented in advance. This should include an adequate description such as caliber, make and model, as well as amount of ammunition.  Those that are carrying a firearm onto the base for any reason must provide the information; if you are not submitting an experiment send your information directly to Jon Tew.

Anyone wishing to use special equipment, have fixtures built, or the photographic unit equipment should contact us as soon as possible with these requests.  Any use of special fixtures, stands, or the like need to be coordinated in advance.

This is an informal experimental session; no registration fee is involved.  All participants will be responsible for their own lodging and food.  Most people stay at the La Fuente Inn & Suites, 1513 E. 16th St., Yuma, 877-202-3353, they offer a government rate. This is our meeting point at 7:00 A.M. Saturday morning to caravan to the proving ground. Some of us will meet on Friday evening at the La Fuente Inn to finalize the next days planned schedule. We generally pool our money and send out for pizza for Saturday lunch.
Please share this with others that you think will be interested in attending.

James L. Roberts
Firearm & Toolmark Examiner
Ventura Co. Sheriff's Lab
800 S. Victoria Ave.
Ventura, CA. 93009
 (805) 654-2308
James.Roberts@ventura.org