CJC-FRN7827 - Serial Number Restoration Techniques

Course Description

This course is designed for forensic firearm and tool mark examiners, crime scene technicians, police investigators, police detectives.  The course will provide students with the basic, advanced and technical principles of serial number restoration and identification, metallurgical aspects of various alloys and the various methods and techniques associated with the restoration of obliterated serial numbers/markings.  Students will learn how to use various restoration methods including chemical, electrolytic and magnetic particle while also learning of the importance of safety and proper laboratory protocols.  Additionally, the students will learn about the identification and tracing of firearms recovered in criminal cases and proper documentation along with the completion of the ATF National Tracing Center Form. The course will consist of various classroom lectures and numerous practical exercises involving obliterated and altered serial numbers/markings on firearms; firearm parts and accessories; various types of tools; electronic equipment and other components.

Course Outline

Day 1

• Define and explain plastic deformation.
• Distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• Discuss metallurgical processes including obliteration and restoration.
• Explain and distinguish between the various techniques of obliteration of markings.
•  Understand the format and use of technical protocols in number restoration.
• Discuss the importance of techniques involved in sanding and polishing samples.
• Explain the utility of the various types of illumination used in serial number restorations.
•  Understand and carry out the theory and practice of serial number restoration by the magnetic particle method.
• Understand and carry out the theory and practice of serial number restoration by various chemical methods.

Day 2 and Day 3

• Chemical listings and addresses
• ATF Obliteration Codes
• Laboratory Worksheets
• ATF Serial Number Structure Guide
• Report Writing/Documentation
• Power Point Presentations
• Review of various serial number articles and procedures
• Review of safety protocols
• Discussion of laboratory PPE
• Discussion on tools
• Demonstration of equipment and various SN processes
• Practical exercises involving numerous firearms
• Practical exercises on firearms and various mediums
• Mock trials pertaining to serial number practical exercise   

Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Students should be able to restore obliterated serial numbers/markings in a safe and proficient manner
• Students should be able to determine which restoration techniques to use on various types of specimens
• Safely handle a firearm during forensic testing and examination.

Notes

Method of Instruction: Lecture and Practical exercises

Evaluation: Exam