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OSAC’s New Process Map Focuses on Firearms Examinations

Overview of the Firearms Process Map.
Overview of the Firearms Process Map.

The Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science, in partnership with the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), has just released a process map that describes the process that most firearms examiners use when analyzing evidence. The Firearms Process Map provides details about the procedures, methods and decision points most frequently encountered in firearms examination.

From the OSAC press release:

“This map can benefit the firearm discipline by providing a behind-the-scenes perspective into the various components and complexities involved in the firearms examination process. It can also be used to identify best practices, reduce errors, assist in training new examiners and highlight areas where further research or standardization would be beneficial.”

The Firearms Process Map was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Forensic Science Research Program through a collaboration with OSAC’s Firearms & Toolmarks Subcommittee and the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE).

Additional process maps are available from OSAC, including a Friction Ridge Process Map and Speaker Recognition Process Map.

Read the OSAC press release.