Flowchart of the firearms examination process with labeled blue boxes and process arrows.

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.


Recent Posts

Journal article titled "Challenges in Modeling...Images as Forensic Evidence" by Kafadar and Carriquiry.

Two Journals for Sharing Your Forensic Science and Statistics Research

January 30, 2025

If you’re looking for a journal to showcase your latest research findings, consider exploring these two publications that focus on …

NIST sign outside, surrounded by flowers and trees, on a sunny day.

NIST Report Highlights Key Challenges in Forensic Science and Provides Strategies for Addressing Them

October 15, 2024

In September, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a new report titled “Strategic Opportunities to Advance Forensic …

NIST sign outside, surrounded by flowers and trees, on a sunny day.

NIST will Host a Workshop on the Scientific Foundation Review of Footwear Impression Examination

July 17, 2023

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has begun work on a new Scientific Foundation Review for footwear impression …