Firearms for Crime Scenes

This class will offer insight into the scope of services provided by most forensic firearms labs. The range of conclusions and practical considerations of what the analysis means will be discussed. Techniques on how to properly collect and document firearms-related evidence at the crime scene will be presented. Safety considerations and rendering firearms safe will be discussed and, if permitted, examples will be available for the student to practice on using dummy rounds.

Using fired cartridge cases and bullets, this course will give attendees the ability to recognize what firearms may be associated with shootings in the field before the evidence is sent to the Crime Lab to be analyzed by Firearms Examiners. This training will also cover firearms operability in specialty types of investigations such as those regarding self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police involved shootings, and self-defense cases.

For the May 13-15, 2024 class, days 1 and 2 will be held at the Criminal Justice Institute.  Day 3 is at Jacksonville Police Department, 1412 West Main Street, Jacksonville, AR.