Toolmark Identification

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the concept of toolmarks. It will teach students the basics of analyzing both impressed and striated marks, using a variety of tools and toolmark surfaces. Class time will be split between learning the theoretical basis of the uniqueness of these marks and doing practical comparisons with a comparison microscope. Students will discuss the basics of the comparison process and learn how to create test marks for comparison purposes.

Course Objectives

The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with both striated and impressed toolmarks. Studies and theories regarding the uniqueness of these toolmarks will be discussed. Additionally, the students will learn and practice the art of performing microscopic comparisons on both impressed and striated toolmarks.

Toniann Rebick

MFS, AFTE-FA, BS, BS

Course Logistics

Duration: 5 days

Hours: 40

Tuition: $1,000.00

Course Expectations

At the completion of this course, the students should be able to:

Understand the basic terminology associated with impressed and striated toolmarks
Understand the theoretical basis behind the uniqueness of both striated and individual toolmarks.
Learn how to create test marks for toolmark comparisons
Learn the basics of microscopic comparisons using both striated and impressed toolmarks.

Target Audience

This course is designed for firearms and toolmark examiner trainees to learn the basics of comparing striated and impressed toolmarks and the theories regarding the uniqueness of each. Experienced examiners looking to focus on various tools and toolmarks beyond those found in traditional firearms analysis are also welcome.

Should be Able to Perform

At the completion of this course, students should understand the basic principles of performing microscopic comparisons on both striated and impressed toolmarks, to include the theoretical basis for the uniqueness of these marks, and the ability to create test marks for toolmark comparison to various non-firearms tools.

Course Schedule

Duration	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
1 Hour	Introduction and Class Expectations	Test Marks	Impressed Marks -Lecture and Discussion	Test Marks	Toolmark Practice Cases
1 Hour	Striated Marks -Lecture and Discussion	-Lecture and Discussion Microscopic Comparisons -Striated Marks		Microscopic Comparisons -Impressed Mark
1 Hour
1 Hour					Discussion and Review
1 Hour	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
1 Hour	Striated Marks -Practical	Microscopic Comparisons -Striated Marks	Impressed Marks -Practical	Microscopic Comparisons -Impressed Marks	Written Exam
1 Hour	Striated Marks -Practical		Impressed Marks -Practical		Written Exam
1 Hour	Striated Marks -Known Match and Known Non-Match Comparison		Impressed Marks -Known Match & Known Non-Match Comparison		Practical Exam
1 Hour	Striated Marks -Known Match and Known Non-Match Comparison		Impressed Marks -Known Match & Known Non-Match Comparison		Test Review and Follow Up

Must Bring to Class

Dress is business casual.
Pen and Notebook.
A positive attitude and willingness to learn.