- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Trainer
Home > Introduction > Roles and Expectations > Trainer
This knowledge base complements the training materials available from AFTE. Theoretically, a suitably qualified, motivated student could work through this knowledge base material with minimal support and at a self-determined rate. In practice, an agreed-upon training plan allows the trainer to coordinate the practical application of the program according to laboratory guidelines and to meet the individual needs of the trainee.
The program incorporates guidelines for the development of individual training plans and completion of competency records. The trainer must meet with the student and develop a binding individual training plan with target dates for completion. The trainer is responsible for monitoring the student’s progress through each phase of the plan, proctoring the tests, and completing the competency records.
The training plan example (for Modules 1-7) has underscored spaces for sections, practicals, and assignments to be entered for each module to be completed. The forms may be customized for either firearms (FA), toolmarks (TM), or gunshot residue (RD).
Click here to read the Individual Training Plan form
The practical aspects of the training are intended to be delivered using the individual laboratory’s training materials and/or training materials available from AFTE.
Delivery of the practical training component may be achieved in several ways, for example by
- the individual laboratory,
- regional cooperation of several laboratories,
- partnership with a local training institution.
The laboratory’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be used for practical exercises and for any discussions held with the student arising from the training.
It is recommended that the trainer do the following:
- Read the content (Modules 1 through 14) and become familiar with the program.
- Identify the specific modules and other parts of the program to be included in the student’s individual training plan.
- Identify the order in which the training should be completed (e.g., toolmark examination before or after firearm examination).
- Identify the delivery method for the practical exercises.
- Write the individual training plan with the student. Make sure that the plan documents specific dates for completion of each module and corresponding practical exercises.
- Work through each module in detail ahead of the student. This is important in order to provide the required depth of awareness of the content to prepare for questions that the student(s) may ask.
- Administer the test at the end of the module.
- Document successful completion in the competency record (this is the only formal record required to be retained).
- If the student did not pass, develop a remediation program (no entry is required in the competency record).
