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-TE10 Examination of Physical Matches (105.33 KB) |
Compare portions of pipes, tools, tapes, glass, fabrics, papers, and other items of evidence to determine whether those portions were once a part of or have been separated from, a particular source.
| Other Trace |
|
ATF-LS-TE11 Examination, Analysis and Comparison of Textile Fibers (154.92 KB) |
The forensic fiber examiner is requested to compare questioned and known (Q and K) fiber samples based on their physical and chemical compositions
| Other Trace |
|
ATF-LS-TE13 Examination, Analysis, and Comparison of Pressure Sensitive Tapes (PST) and Adhesives (128.27 KB) |
Chemical analyses are performed on PST and adhesives, to aid in the identification of the source and/or for comparison between PST and adhesives.
| Other Trace |
|
ATF-LS-TE14 Examination of General Unknowns and Uncommon Evidence (528.8 KB) |
The trace evidence examiner may be asked on occasion to identify or compare a veritable plethora of different types of substances may become evidence in a case.
| Other Trace |
|
ATF-LS-TE15 Examination of Paint (125.22 KB) |
Compare questioned and known (Q and K) paint samples based on their physical and chemical compositions.
| Other Trace |
|
ATF-LS-TE16 Trace Report Writing Published (304.08 KB) |
This guideline describes the information that should be included in reports that contain expert opinions concerning analyses, comparisons, associations, and other interpretations drawn from the data generated or other information gathered during a forensic trace evidence examination.
| Other Trace |
|
ATF-LS-TE17 Tobacco Diversion Glossary (215.12 KB) |
Redacted.
| Other Trace |