200 words response 1 reference/intext citation Due 1/20/2024
Dugar
1Do you think that trainee firearms examiners should have knowledge of firearms before they are hired and trained?
Yes. Trainee firearm examines should have knowledge of firearms before they are hired or trained. It should be one of the elements that should qualify or fail them. The knowledge may not be extensive or detailed as that of one who has been trained, but some degree of knowledge such as the basics of firearms is necessary especially because they are coming in as examiners. According to ATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, “Newly hired examiners go through on-the-job training to assess their level of expertise and receive additional training to ensure they meet ATF’s examiner standards.” This statements provides an expectation that examiners coming to the field, including trainees have a degree of knowledge upon which their training will be founded.
The importance of having prior knowledge can be interpreted in several ways. One, it is an indication that one is seriously interested in the field and has made some effort to gain knowledge even before they are formally trained. Two, it is a safety measure in that the trainee has basic knowledge and for that reason would not be expected to commit certain mistakes with the firearms. Third, the degree of knowledge guides the trainer on how to package their training for individual trainees based on their strengths and weaknesses.
1.
Do you think that firearms examination should have statistical results similar to DNA?
In my opinion, firearms examination should have statistical results similar to DNA. According to ATF, firearm examiners help solve criminal cases by examining items found at the crime scene. One way they do so is examining microscopic marks on bullets and cartridge cases to determine if those marks were made by the suspect’s firearm (ATF). Since firearm examiners have the ability to break down details of an item used to commit crime to the very finest, then it is possible to create statistical results of the firearms examination similar to DNA. Notably, the breakdown of the information during firearm examination ultimately leads to the identification of the DNA of the suspect if it was left on the weapon or any other item on the crime scene. The firearm is matched with the owner from where the investigation unit gets their suspect who may or may not be the person who committed the crime. In other words, other supporting evidence has to be available to convict a suspect of a crime besides the firearm. This is because the firearm could have been stolen or hired by the perpetrator. The firearm can also be connected to other crimes committed elsewhere (UNODC). Although I allege that firearms examination should have statistical results similar to DNA, the successful resolution of a case can only happen if the two systems work together.