Course Description
"Bullet Identification - Week 1 or 2" is a lecture-based instructional week.
"Bullet Identification - Scope Work Week - Week 2 of 2" is a practical application of Week 1 of 2
This course was designed to focus almost entirely on bullet comparison. Students were given known samples to compare, which progressively got harder to include damaged bullets. Students were then given examples of known-to-unknowns designed to simulate casework. The course ended with a final unknown practical. Additionally, students were given exercises where they had to determine shotgun gauge and the size of shot.
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course, the students should be able to:
- Properly conduct comparisons from start to finish.
- Properly evaluate and document class characteristics
- Evaluate for subclass in casework.
- Document all items of evidence as well as the evaluation and comparison process.
- Correctly perform microscopic evaluations for individual characteristics
Course Logistics
Course Expectations
Each student is expected to be present, on time, and to participate in each assignment.
Class will run from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday
Exams: No written exam will be given.
Practical: There will be a practical exercise given containing the following:
- Exercises are provided to determine the shotgun gauge and the size of the shot.
- Known-to-known samples are provided in progressive difficulty, including damaged bullets.
- Unknown bullets and known bullets are given to simulate casework.
- Each student is given an unknown problem as a final test of their comparison ability.