Firearms and Toolmarks Introduction I

Class Code: 
E102
Subject Area: 
E - Firearms and Impression Evidence Program
Class Location: 
California Criminalistics Institute / Sacramento
Class Description: 

This one-week (38-hour) course is designed for the new firearms examiner. The course will take the criminalists through a typical firearms case up to the point that actual striated comparisons would start. Special emphasis will be placed on examination of recovered firearm components for information to a list of possible firearms, determine the brand of ammunition used, and intercomparison to other 'open' shooting cases. Topics covered in this course include the history, manufacture and nomenclature of firearms, introduction to ballistics, origin of markings on projectiles and casings, concepts of uniqueness, test-firing practices, crime scene considerations and introduction to the comparison of striated and impressed marks. Each class is limited to 12 students.

Instructor: 
Michael F. Giusto, California Criminalistics Institute
Teaching Methods: 
Classroom lectures, video recordings and practical workshops, and laboratory exercises.
Objectives: 
Students will be required to examine firearms and ammunition components, measure class characteristics, prepare lists of 'possible weapons', determine cartridge designation and weapon chambering, select appropriate test-firing ammunition, and write reports of examination.
Prerequisites: 
Firearm Safety E101 is recommended.
Preparation: 
Pre-course reading material may be assigned.
Tuition: 
No cost to POST supported or State of California based Law Enforcement agencies. A $600.00 tuition fee will be required of all other public agency, private sector, or out-of-state applicants.
Course Contact: 
Mike Giusto (916) 464-5648, (916)464-0600, FAX (916) 464-5818
More Information: 

Schedule of Classes:

Location Date(s)
Rancho Cordova November 13-17, 2017