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Author Topic: AFTE 2008 Summaries  (Read 137494 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #15 on: June 07, 2008, 09:09:18 PM »
Dinosaur Club Update
Dave Brundage
Dave will introduce the audience to the ‘Dinosaur Club’ to include why it was created, who the members of the club are, and what the members do for the Association.
Dave Brundage, Forensic Firearms Consulting, 8424 Indian Hills Drive, Nashville, TN 37221 – 317.490.1199,  dbrundage@bellsouth.net 

Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #16 on: June 07, 2008, 09:10:00 PM »
What’s New In Ammunition
George Kass
George – a member and technical advisor for AFTE - will provide a discussion of what ‘new’ ammunitions have recently been introduced by the various ammunition manufacturers. If time permits, he will discuss the ammunition CD that he has available for sale to laboratories.
George Kass, Forensic Ammunition, 4512 Nakoma Drive, Okemos, MI – 517.349.9362, forammo@aol.com

Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #17 on: June 07, 2008, 09:11:03 PM »
Deformed Bullet Acquisition on BulletTRAX-3D®
Dr. Danny Roberge
Objectives: The objective is to acquire the 3D relevant features on a deformed bullet surface. What makes 3D acquisition of bullets highly challenging is the order of magnitude difference between the depth of valuable marks, which may be at the submicron level, and the deviation from the cylindrical shape that defines pristine bullets, which can be as high as several millimeters.
Methodology: Developing a highly efficient acquisition mode can only be an iterative process. This presentation covers successive improvements in the acquisition of bullets on IBIS BULLETTRAX-3D, starting from acquisition of pristine bullets, which can be done by rotating the bullet, up to the damaged mode currently developed for the 2.2 version of the system, which also requires translational motions. The problems encountered during the development of the damaged mode are discussed. Results: Algorithms have been developed in order to compute the position of the motor of the rotation axis and determine the motion that must be applied on the bullet in order to insure a perpendicular surface over the whole acquisition process. By using these algorithms, IBIS BULLETTRAX-3D can follow the shape of the surface over the whole acquisition process.
Conclusions: IBIS BULLETTRAX-3D (version 2.2) can acquire highly deformed bullets that could not be imaged in previous versions of the system.
Biography: Danny Roberge completed a Ph.D. in optical pattern recognition in 1995. He is a senior scientist in the Research Team at Forensic Technology since 2000 and has developed and implemented algorithms related to acquisition and correlation of ballistic images In IBIS Heritage and IBIS BulletTRAX-3D. Dr. Danny Roberge, Forensic Technology, 5757, Cavendish Blvd. Suite 200, Cote St-Luc, Quebec, CANADA H4W 2WB, 514-489-4247, Fax: 514-485-9336, danny.roberge@contactft.com

Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #18 on: June 07, 2008, 09:12:16 PM »
Infrared Imaging and FlashCorrelation® - An Innovative Approach to Case Linkage
Dr. Francine J. Prokoski
Objectives: Novel techniques and systems are under development to use infrared imaging rather than visible light imaging as the basis for collection and comparison of toolmarks. The resulting elimination of lighting-induced artifacts promises to improve detection, collection, and matching of impression and striae evidence. The consistency of infrared features across siblings allows for the use of quantitative analysis with low false positive errors. Early applications include cartridge cases, tool scrapes, and footwear impressions.
Methodology: Although normally used to obtain temperature measurements, IR images are the result of both emissivity and thermal distributions across the imaged surface. Disturbing an item's surface texture creates an emissivity difference producing local changes in the infrared image even in the absence of thermal changes. Infrared imaging requires no illumination and therefore eliminates shadows, glint, and other lighting-induced variations and artifacts associated with visible light imaging.
Tool marks that are of forensic interest frequently produce significant emissivity variations. Examples include firing pin indentations, breech face marks, and screwdriver scrapes. They create highly detailed features in IR imagery without temperature change. Use of IR imaging for toolmark identification therefore does not involve temperature changes; it collects and compares emissivity variations associated with impression and striae evidence.
Aside from not providing color information, IR images contain all the features seen in visible light images. Therefore, the IR images can be matched against existing databases of visual images, allowing the new technology to be implemented immediately. A matching engine named FlashCorrelation® is used to compare an IR image against databases that can be a combination of IR and visible light images.
Dual-spectrum imaging in both IR and visible bands, permits immediate detection of apparent visible features that are in fact illumination-induced artifacts. Eliminating such artifacts will reduce the false positive error rate in visual matching with current systems. The IRID technology can therefore be implemented as a front-end filter for current systems or as a stand-alone system offering both IR and visible light image comparison.
Results: Initial comparison tests have shown accuracy improvements when imaging is performed with infrared rather than visible light cameras. Current results as of the conference date will be discussed by Jack Dillon in his presentation, and can be seen at the SED Technology LLC booth. Applications to cartridge cases, tool mark scrapes, and footwear impressions will be included.
Conclusions: Infrared imaging offers potentially significant advantages in the collection and comparison of toolmark evidence.
Biography: Dr. Prokoski has thirty years experience in security technology, surveillance, forensics and biomedical engineering. She is a recognized expert in developing infrared imaging systems for identification and condition assessment, and developing matching engines for accurate high-speed comparisons against large databases. She is principal inventor on several issued and pending patents for related technologies. Dr. Prokoski is currently the principal investigator on a DOJ grant evaluating 2D and 3D Infrared imaging, coupled with high speed pattern recognition, to evaluate impression evidence. Prior experience includes:
• Founder and President of Infrared Identification Inc. (IRID Inc.) developing methods and systems for infrared imagery applications. •
CEO of Hitech Engineering, producing secure computer systems for government.
• Vice President of Energy Inc., an international nuclear engineering company providing safety, security, and systems in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Europe and North America.
• Consultant to IAEA on Nuclear Safeguards and Surveillance. Also senior staff of the CIA responsible for the collection and security of technical information.
• Dr. Prokoski received Doctorate and Masters Degrees in Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and NYU. She has 28 issued and pending patents and has authored more than 50 technical publications.
Dr. Francine Prokoski, SED Technology LLC, 5410 Colchester Meadow Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030 – 703.278.9322, Fax 703.278.8331, fprokoski@sedllc.com

Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #19 on: June 07, 2008, 09:13:16 PM »
Infrared Imaging and FlashCorrelation® - An Innovative Approach to Case Linkage
Jack Dillon
Objectives: The immediate objective of SED Technology LLC has been to develop a capability to enhance the collection, quantitative analysis, storage and maintenance of chain of custody of impression-type evidence. Integral to this effort is the development of the ability to image and make linkages between varieties of tool marked items, including striated marks and impressions in metal surfaces. These surfaces include fired bullets and cartridge cases often recovered in personal crimes, as well as in metallic items commonly recovered in property crimes. The ultimate objective will be to provide an enhanced means of investigative case linkage through high-probability evidence associations. This will produce the lowest possible number of false positive results and the most efficient use of examiner time in establishing conclusive identifications through conventional microscopy.
Methodology: The methodology employed is based on a patented 3D/IR Visual imaging system coupled with FlashCorrelation® technology, a high speed pattern recognition system employing advanced algorithms. Initially, populations of known specimens were established for both striated marks and impressions in metal. The first group (striated marks) was made in sheet lead using individually ground interchangeable screwdriver bits drawn laterally across the lead. A second group of striated marks was established using primer shearing marks produced by a variety of .40 S&W caliber Glock pistols at a police firing range. A third group of specimens bearing impressions was assembled using .44 Magnum caliber cartridge cases bearing parallel breech face marks. Fabrication of the imaging system followed and included an innovative infrared imaging system to acquire surface topography of the striated marks and impressions in the test specimens. Imaging included enhanced visual imaging, visual with 2D IR and 3D/IR+Visual. Once this data was acquired, FlashCorrelation was applied to the surface topography data to generate high-probability associations. These results were then subjected to proof of concept testing using conventional comparison microscopy to validate results.
Results: As of this writing the data analysis is in progress and is being assembled to provide initial feedback to allow modifications to the IR imaging protocols and refinement of the data analysis.
Conclusions: It is expected that the proof of concept studies will ultimately produce an integrated system that will have a high degree of accuracy, speed, cost-effectiveness, and applicability to many types of impression evidence, as well as standardized imagery based on the innovative use of IR imaging and FlashCorrelation®. Biography: Jack Dillon earned a B. S. from the United States Naval Academy and an M. Ed. from the University of Virginia. Commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in 1964, he attained the rank of Captain of Marines, serving in Vietnam and the Dominican Republic. Appointed a Special Agent, FBI, in 1970, he investigated diverse criminal violations, including organized crime, bank robberies, extortions and kidnappings in the Chicago and New York offices of the FBI. In 1976 he received orders to the Firearms/Toolmarks Unit of the FBI Laboratory for training as an examiner, where he examined evidence, conducted training and provided on-site field support in domestic cases, as well as in Latin America. During this period Jack taught the FBI Laboratory’s Gunshot and Primer Residues Course and the Specialized Techniques in Firearms Identification Course. From 1982-1988 he was assigned to the FBI Academy where he designed and taught basic forensic courses for newly-appointed FB! and DEA Agents, as well as management-level forensic science courses for police administrators from the United States and abroad. Jack was appointed Chief of the FBI Firearms-Toolmarks Unit in 1988 and coordinated the activities of 14 Agents in forensic examinations, domestic and foreign field support, training and research projects. He retired from the FBI in 1994 and continues to consultant in forensic firearms cases and in training design and delivery. For several years he taught forensic courses in the Masters of Forensic Science program at George Washington University. He also wrote the curriculum for the BATFE National Firearms Examiner Academy, and was a major contributor to the on-line training for Abstracts 39th Annual AFTE Training Seminar
firearms-toolmarks examiners soon to be offered by the National Forensic Science Technology Center. He currently teaches and mentors students in courses presented at the National Firearms Examiner Academy. Jack is a Past President and Emeritus Member of the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners, and was selected as Member of the Year for 2002-2003.
Jack Dillon, SED Technology LLC, 5410 Colchester Meadow Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030 – 703.278.9322, Fax 703.278.8331, jhdillonjr@comcast.net


Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #20 on: June 07, 2008, 09:14:15 PM »
Statistical Analysis of Toolmark Striations
Dr. L. Scott Chumbley
The objective of this study is to develop a statistical algorithm that would automatically and objectively compare quantitative data files obtained from toolmarks. The goal is to determine whether statistical validation can be given in support of toolmark examiner assertions, as a partial answer to questions raised by the Daubert decision.
Toolmarks were obtained from both sides of 50 sequentially manufactured screwdriver tips. The surface roughness of the toolmarks was measured using a stylus profilometer, producing a set of several thousand distinct data files. A computer program was developed using an internal verification and validation algorithm that employed a Mann-Whitney statistical analysis.
Results indicate that successful, non-ambiguous matching of two separate toolmarks is possible using the developed validation algorithm. Constraints on the association of a suspect tool to a particular toolmark require that test marks be made using the correct side of the tool and that the marks be made at similar angles. These constraints are well known to toolmark examiners and have been known for many years. However, to our knowledge, this study presents the first totally quantitative, objective, statistical evidence in support of the expertise of toolmark examiners on this subject. As such it provides documentation as to the reliability and scientific nature of toolmark identifications.
While correct judgments can be made automatically in the majority of cases, false positives and negatives are seen in the data. As an extension of these initial findings, the research group at ISU has been tasked by the National Institute of Justice to determine whether these observed errors are due to the algorithm itself, or are related to the quality of the data, which is necessarily constrained in relation to information available to an experienced examiner. During the course of AFTE 2008 we are encouraging examiners to participate in this blind study by volunteering a few minutes of their time to conduct some comparisons for us. Information on how these comparisons will work will be provided at the end of the talk.
Dr. Scott Chumbley is a Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at Iowa State University (ISU) and holds a joint appointment with Ames Laboratory, the DOE laboratory located on the campus of ISU. His undergraduate and graduate degrees are in Metallurgy and his field of expertise is materials characterization using optical and electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Prof. Chumbley is an active participant in the Midwest Forensic Research Center (MFRC), an educational and research center of ISU, through which he has worked with law enforcement officials to use his expertise in materials characterization to examine possible evidence. He has been involved with the forensic community in a number of educational efforts involving basic operation of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). He has been the principal investigator on funded research for the FBI and currently is conducting research on the quantification of tool markings for the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Dr. Chumbley also was a member of a National Academy of Sciences committee to investigate the technical feasibility of establishing a national ballistics database whose report is currently in preparation.
Dr. L. Scott Chumbley, Professor - Materials Science and Engineering Department, 2220 Hoover, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011 - 515-294-7903 (Scientist, Ames Laboratory, 214 Wilhelm, Ames, Iowa 50011, 512.294.7903


Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #21 on: June 07, 2008, 09:15:53 PM »
  Tuesday May 20th 2008 

Tuesday moderator Bob Shem

9610-0



Update on AFTE 2009
Yamil Garcia
Yamil Garcia, from the Metro-Dade Police Crime Lab, Miami, FL, USA, will provide the membership with information (dates, hotel location, etc) concerning the AFTE 2009 Meeting. This meeting will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of our Association.
« Last Edit: June 07, 2008, 10:16:22 PM by Jerry Petillo »

Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #22 on: June 07, 2008, 09:16:34 PM »
National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA) – An Update
Jim Yurgealitis
Special Agent Jim Yurgealitis will present an update on the NFEA. NFEA Class 0701 completed Phase IV of the academy and graduated this past Friday March 28th. As usual the students presented their research papers with a “best presentation” determination made by a review panel (Jack Dillon, Ann Davis and Glen Beach). Carolyn Martinez of the Corpus Christi, TX Police Department was determined to have made the best presentation. Accordingly ATF will send Ms. Martinez to AFTE to present her paper during the seminar.
Special Agent James Yurgealitis, Program Manager, Advanced Investigations Training Branch, National Firearms Examiners Academy, 6000 Ammendale Road, Ammendale, Maryland 20705 – 240.264.1401, Fax 240.264.1487, mobile 202.438.7014

*** Glen Beach from the ATF lab at Ammendale Maryland gave this presentation***


Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #23 on: June 07, 2008, 09:17:15 PM »
GLOCK’S Signature Barrel – Durability of the EBIS Markings
Carolyn Martinez
GLOCK pistols have always presented difficulty in regards to differentiating bullets fired from different GLOCK barrels. The Enhanced Bullet Identification System (EBIS) was GLOCK’s most recent attempt in response to resolving this conflict. This method creates a “signature” in the barrel which imparts gross lines down the length of the barrel on the lands of the rifling. These gross lines vary in width, depth, and spatial relationship, much in appearance as a bar-code would look. Small imperfections in the depths of these gross lines are also noted and appear to have been intended to have an impact on the appearance of the finer lines on the lands of the fired bullets. Durability testing was conducted to see the reproducibility of the signature markings after enduring 250-10,000 rounds of ammunition being fired through the barrels. Results showed that the gross lines endured, but there was a disparity with the finer lines. This disparity reduces the chances of identifying GLOCK bullets by a sufficient correspondence of individual characteristics; however, the manufacturing method lends itself to imparting class characteristics which may aid in differentiating one GLOCK bullet from another in a “limited universe” situation.
Biography: Employed by Corpus Christi Police Dept. Forensic Services Division and a member of the US Army Reserves. Education: B.S. (Biology) University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, M.F.S. (Master's of Forensic Science) George Washington University, DC.
Carolyn Martinez, Corpus Christi PD Forensic Lab, 321 John Sartain, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, 361.886.2638, Fax 361.886.2642, carolynMA@cctexas.com

Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #24 on: June 07, 2008, 09:18:32 PM »
Has the Barrel Been Changed? – An Example of Why We Need Reference Collections
Kevan Walsh
Objectives: Conflicting scientific evidence raised doubt regarding the exclusion of one suspect of a double homicide on the basis of the rifling characteristics of his Remington Model 12 rifle. It was proposed that the barrel had been exchanged with another barrel having different rifling characteristics to the projectiles recovered from the two victims. This was supported by apparent discrepancies between the barrel date code mark and the serial number, which were at odds with the manufacturer’s information. The barrel date code indicated that it had been made in September 1929, whereas the serial number indicated that the rifle was produced in June 1930. Information taken from a few rifles appeared to support this discrepancy as being very significant.
Methodology: I was asked to examine the rifle for physical evidence that the barrel had been removed and replaced. Manufacturer's records were compared with barrel markings and serial numbers from various forensic and private firearm collections.
Results: There was no physical evidence to support the replacement of a barrel. There was no evidence of multiple witness marks and the existing witness mark was in alignment. There were no toolmarks seen on the barrel or receiver that might arise from them being joined in a do-it-yourself fashion.
Information from 33 rifles from various collections was compiled and the date information was graphed. This displayed a clear trend during the latter years of production that showed a lag between barrel production and rifle assembly. The discrepancy observed for the date information of the suspect’s rifle fell within the range expected given the trend observed.
Conclusions: This work highlighted the valuable insight that can be provided by firearms reference collections. In this case, a review of just one or two firearms would have been insufficient to reveal the required information.
Biography: Kevan has worked in New Zealand in the field of firearms and toolmarks since 1989. He has been a regular member of AFTE since 1990.
Kevan Walsh, ESR, 120 Mount Albert Road, Auckland, New Zealand 1142 – 64-9-8153903, Fax 64-9-8496046, kevan.walsh@esr.cri.nz


Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #25 on: June 07, 2008, 09:22:37 PM »

Paul Szabo of Winchester.
AFTE Technical Advisors
A review of AFTE Technical Advisors, grouped by specialty, to assist the membership in reaching out for help.

Bio: Paul Szabo is a 25+ year employee of Olin Corporation – Winchester Ammunition in East Alton, IL.   With experience in manufacturing, engineering, and ballistics Paul currently holds Winchester’s Technical Consultant position.  He is a 10 year AFTE Technical Advisor and chairs the TA Committee.
« Last Edit: June 07, 2008, 10:13:31 PM by Jerry Petillo »

Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #26 on: June 07, 2008, 09:23:41 PM »
Improvised Firing Devices
Paul Murphy
Objectives: Improvised firing devices can be categorized into two main groups (1) Home made firearms and (2) Modified/improvised firearms. This phenomenon is a major problem in many countries and Forensic Firearm Examiners from all over the world encounter these devices on a daily basis. This presentation will address various aspects of improvised firing devices as well as improvised firing devices commonly encountered in India and South Africa.
Methodology: The author/presenter examined numerous improvised firing devices during his career as a Forensic Ballistic Specialist in South Africa. He also researched "Country Made Firearms" in India to determine the best practice for imaging fired components into the BulletTRAX and BrassTRAX systems.
Results: Home made firearms can be easily manufactured from material that can be obtained from any hardware store with basic hand tools. Air rifles and blank firing devices are easily modified or improvised into devices which are capable of firing conventional ammunition. Mechanisms and calibers of these devices depend on the availability of materials and ammunition. These devices are common in countries with strict gun laws and where conventional firearms are difficult to obtain. Improvised firing devices are not only a big challenge for Forensic Firearm Examiners to examine, test fire and identify, but also to the technicians who has the challenging task of imaging the fired components from these devices into the IBIS TRAX 3D systems.
Biography: Paul J Murphy is a Distinguished Member of AFTE who is currently the Senior Firearms Technical Advisor for Forensic Technology WAI INC. He has worked for fifteen years in South Africa as Forensic Ballistic Specialist at the South African Police Services Forensic Science Laboratory. From 1996 to 1999 he was the Provincial Commander of the SAPS Eastern Cape Forensic Ballistic Laboratory. Paul also worked for seven years as a Forensic Scientist III at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science, Eastern Laboratory.
Paul Murphy, Forensic Technology, 5757 Cavendish Boulevard – Suite 200, Cote St-Luc, Quebec, CANADA H4W 2W8, 727.235.1057



Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #27 on: June 07, 2008, 09:24:34 PM »
Introduction to the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, Inc., (SAAMI)
Kenneth Green
Ken Green will present information on SAAMI as well as share with the participants two newly modified SAAMI DVD’s.
As SAAMI Director of Technical Affairs, Ken is responsible for the technical activities of the American firearms and ammunition industry as well as preparation and approval of five American National Standards concerning industry standards, Ken represents the United States at international meetings on industry affairs. Ken is a technical advisor to AFTE and works closely with forensic personnel from numerous laboratories.
Smokeless Powder and the Fire Service (SAAMI DVD – 23 Minutes) This video emphasizes safety in the storage and display of smokeless powder in the retail environment and demonstrates that if appropriately packaged, smokeless powder will not explode and is less dangerous than many other common retail materials.
Sporting Ammunition and the Firefighter (SAAMI DVD – 25 Minutes) Nearly one million rounds of ammunition were subjected various tests of impact, crushing and fire. The purpose was to examine what happens to sporting ammunition when exposed to severe conditions. This video is recommended as an educational tool for fire and law enforcement departments and explains that firefighters face no danger from sporting ammunition in a fire when protected by standard turn-out gear.
Kenneth Green, SAAMI, PO Box 262, Frankfort, NY 13340 – 315.866.3506, Fax 315.866.4011, saaminy@aol.com

4054


Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #28 on: June 07, 2008, 09:28:16 PM »
Tuesday Afternoon moderator Dom Deneo

9498-0



Firearms Recoil Dynamics
Alexander Jason
Objectives: To gain an understanding into the dynamics of firearm recoil.
Methodology: High speed imaging camera was used to capture the relative movement of bullets and firearms.
Results: Experiments showed that there is very small but measurable movement of the firearm before the bullet exits the muzzle.
Conclusions: The firearm and moving bullet do not act as a "closed system". The firearm does move in relation to the movement of the bullet. This paper shows the amount of movement and explains the physics and dynamics involved.
Biography: Alexander Jason is a Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst specializing in the analysis and reconstruction of shooting incidents. Jason is a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, a member of the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts and a Technical Advisor to AFTE.
Alexander Jason, PO Box 375, Pinole, CA 94564 – 510.724.1003, ajason@alexanderjason.com

9500-1



** Additionally, this next presentation by Alexander Jason consisted of a recent shooting incident reconstruction case that took place in NYC. This presentation was awarded best presentation of the 2008 conference **** Congratulations Mr. Jason on a job well done!!

City Shooting – A Complex Reconstruction
Alexander Jason
Objectives: To become familiar with the components of shooting incident reconstruction. Methodology: This paper shows how the physical evidence of a complex shooting incident were utilized to make significant forensic determinations.
Results: An analysis of the physical evidence including fired bullets, expended cases, trace element analysis, blood spatter, and wound paths were integrated into a comprehensive analysis which provided a foundation for the determination of the decedent's body position during the bullet strikes.
Conclusions: This paper is an example of the importance of evidence collection, documentation, and analysis in shooting incident reconstructions.
(See previous Jason article for contact information)




Jerryp

  • Guest
Re: AFTE 2008 Summaries
« Reply #29 on: June 07, 2008, 09:31:16 PM »
When Bullets Talk – Do You Listen?
Lucien Haag
Recovered bullets routinely tell us what guns can be excluded as having fired them and much about those that could have fired them. But there are many other attributes and features present on, or imparted to fired bullets that have forensic value. These will go unnoticed and their story untold by examiners who view their role as simply that of exclusion or identification with a particular firearm.
The construction and design of a bullet are useful indicators of the manufacturer as well as the vintage of the bullet.
Its terminal ballistic behavior can provide information as to range of fire. The nature and location of impact damage as well as trace evidence inclusions all tell a story of the bullet’s flight, the identity of any intermediate materials struck and the sequence of any such events. Noteworthy examples from casework over the last 40 years will be used to illustrate each of these three categories and the story each bullet offered.
Biography - Luke Haag is a former Criminalist and Technical Director of the Phoenix Crime Laboratory with over 42 years experience in the field of Criminalistics and forensic firearm examinations. He is currently an independent forensic consultant with his own company, Forensic Science Services, Inc. of Carefree, AZ.
Luke has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley with subsequent forensic training at California State University at Long Beach, Indiana University, Arizona State University, McCrone Research Institute, the FBI Laboratory and FBI Forensic Training Facility at Quantico, VA.
He is a Distinguished Member and past-president of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (1985-1986), the recipient of the AFTE Key Member award on 3 occasions, a Distinguished Member of the California Association of Criminalists, a member of the Southwest Association of Forensic Scientists, a Fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and a past board member of the International Wound Ballistics Association.
He has authored and presented over 170 scientific papers, most of which have dealt with various exterior and terminal ballistic properties, effects and behavior of projectiles. He is also the author of the book Shooting Incident Reconstruction.
He has worked on a number of high-profile and historic cases including a re-examination of the evidence in the Lindbergh Kidnapping case, newly discovered evidence in the assassination of Huey Long of Louisiana, the death of Meriwether Lewis, the Randy Weaver Case in Northern Idaho, and the Bloody Sunday shootings in Londonderry Northern Ireland.
Lucien Haag, Forensic Science Services, PO Box 5347, Carefree, AZ 85337 – 480.488.4445, Fax 480.488.3838 (call first), haagfssi@aol.com

« Last Edit: June 07, 2008, 10:18:47 PM by Jerry Petillo »

 

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