Forensic Firearms Analysis Schools

West Virginia University

• West Virginia University offers continuing education in forensic firearms analysis. The school says it provides "free training and continuing education to public forensic service providers." This includes offering forensic firearms analysis courses that teach students to identify toolmark-related evidence from a crime scene. Historical development of firearms is also covered, to provide students with some background. The introductory course is presented as a three-day workshop for forensic professionals.

  West Virginia University

  Forensic Science Initiative

  208 Oglebay Hall

  Morgantown, WV 26506

  304-293-5178

  fsi.research.wvu.edu

Federal Bureau of Investigation

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation has a mobile forensic firearms training school. Classes are given in different locations every year and are offered in conjunction with local police departments. Subjects covered include bullet rifling comparison, examination of gunpowder residue, trajectory analysis, components of ammunition, forensic firearms examinations and weapons analysis. Weapon-related physical evidence at a crime scene is given close attention, as is microscopic examination of ammunition and components recovered from a crime scene. Eligibility for the FBI classes varies by location.

  Federal Bureau of Investigation

  Firearms and Toolmarks Unit

  Room 3787

  935 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

  Washington, DC 20535

  202-324-4378

  fbi.gov

National Firearms Examiner Academy

• Another name for a forensic firearms analyst is a firearms examiner. One of the most complete schools for forensic firearms analysis in the United States is operated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This school accepts only those who have a bachelor's degree in a related field. Students must also be employed in a field that requires them to develop forensic firearms skills. The course takes about one year to complete. In the first four months, the student reads the required materials at home. The rest of the time, training takes place at the ATF facility in Maryland, with trips to gun manufacturing facilities on the East Coast.

  National Firearms Examiner Academy

  National Laboratory Center

  6000 Ammendale Road

  Ammendale, MD 20705

  240-264-1401

  atf.gov