Forensics
ATF laboratories are staffed with highly trained chemists, forensic biologists, engineers, fingerprint specialists, firearm and toolmark examiners, document examiners and administrative personnel. Many of these professionals have held leadership positions in numerous professional scientific organizations and are among the most highly qualified specialists in their fields.Publications
The below documents are management system documents utilized by ATF Laboratories. They are provided for informational purposes only. Sensitive or copyrighted information has been redacted. The documents are used in ATF Laboratories and not published with the intent of setting a policy or analysis standard for other laboratories. The inclusion of equipment/software manufacturer names does not imply endorsement by ATF Laboratories.
The documents were current as of February 28, 2018. ATF management system documents are reviewed annually and revised as needed. For specific requests, submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Instructions on how to file a FOIA request are found at: www.atf.gov/resource-center/freedom-information-act-foia.
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
 ATF-LS-FT 2 Examination of Ammunition (285.29 KB) |
These guidelines set forth the procedures by which class characteristics and physical features of ammunition and components can be determined and compared to reference literature and collections for the purpose of identifying the manufacturer/marketer of the components. This protocol is applicable to all ATF Firearm and Toolmark Examiners.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT 4 Serial Number Restoration (276.43 KB) |
These guidelines establish a standard approach to restoring obliterated serial numbers and other obliterated markings. This method of analysis is applicable in all ATF Firearm and Toolmark Examiners.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT 5 GSR Pattern Analysis for Muzzle to Target Distance Determination (345.2 KB) |
These guidelines establish a standard approach for the determination of the muzzle-to-target distance when clothing or other evidence material and suspect firearm(s) are submitted.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT 6 Examination of Toolmarks (287.07 KB) |
These guidelines pertain to the examination of toolmarks and their comparison to test marks from suspect tools to determine the possible source.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT 7 Physical Match (275.24 KB) |
These guidelines set forth the procedure by which portions of firearm components, tools, and other items of evidence can be examined to determine if the portions were once joined together. This protocol is applicable to all ATF Firearm and Toolmark Examiners.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT 8 Firearms Safety and Shooting Guidelines (247.71 KB) |
This policy sets forth safety guidelines for the operation and shooting of firearms.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT 9 Firearm and Toolmark Examination Documentation (263.31 KB) |
This policy and procedure guideline sets a minimum standard for examination documentation in firearm and toolmark casework. It also describes additional information, which should be included in case note documentation if applicable.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT10 Photo Documentation of Comparative Examinations (297.25 KB) |
This policy and procedure guideline sets a minimum standard for photo documentation in firearm and toolmark comparative examinations.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT11 Theory of Identification and Range of Conclusions (259.89 KB) |
This policy and procedure guideline establishes a standard theory for the identification of toolmarks and the range of conclusions that are applicable to the examination of toolmarks.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT12 Trace Evidence Preservation and Collection (240.26 KB) |
Guidelines for procedures for collecting and preserving trace evidence on firearm and toolmark related items submitted for examination is necessary to ensure the integrity of said evidence. The manner of collection is varied and specific to the types of trace evidence being collected.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT13 Standard Ammunition File (278.25 KB) |
A current and complete ammunition reference collection is an important source of information for firearms examiners in routine examinations, particularly in cases where the identification of potential ammunition manufacturer(s) is important in the case investigation, nexus determination and the information of search warrants. Additionally, the determination of source may play a role in proper test firing and distance-to-target determinations.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT14 Maintenance and Calibration of Microscopes and other Measuring Devices (270.62 KB) |
Regular performance checks/verifications of certain measuring devices will be performed as part of the quality program.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT14-W-A Maintenance and Calibration of Microscopes and other Measuring Devices (286.63 KB) |
The gauge block set used to conduct in-house performance checks of measuring devices will have their performance verified by an external calibration laboratory at regular intervals not to exceed ten (10) years. Proper handling of these standards should be followed when conducting performance checks.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT14-W-S Maintenance and Calibration of Microscopes and other Measuring Devices (278.68 KB) |
Trigger weights and gauge block sets used in the work instructions to follow will be sent to an external calibration laboratory for the purpose of verifying traceability to an appropriate standard at regular intervals not to exceed every ten (10) years.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT14-W-W Maintenance and Calibration of Microscopes and other Measuring Devices (252.92 KB) |
The certified standards used to conduct in-house performance checks of measuring devices (gauge block sets, weights) will have their performance verified by an external calibration laboratory at regular intervals not to exceed five (5) years. Proper handling of these standards should be followed when conducting performance checks.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT15 Report Wording (307.92 KB) |
This guideline describes the information that will be included in reports that contain expert opinions concerning analyses, comparisons, associations, and other interpretations drawn from the analysis of firearm and/or toolmark evidence.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-FT16 Shooting Trajectory Analysis (273.5 KB) |
These procedure guidelines establish a minimum standard to identify, reconstruct and document the three-dimensional (3-D) paths of fired projectiles.
| Firearm and Toolmark |
|
ATF-LS-LP 1 Introduction (225.31 KB) |
Describes the Standard Approaches to Examination and verification requirements employed by ATF Fingerprint Specialists.
| Latent Prints |
|
ATF-LS-LP 2 ACE-V Methodology (279.66 KB) |
This policy and procedure guideline establishes the methodology used for friction ridge examinations and the conclusions reached in these examinations.
| Latent Prints |
|
ATF-LS-LP 3 Latent Print Case Documentation (249.85 KB) |
This policy and procedure notes specific requirements for latent print examination documentation.
| Latent Prints |