Tool Mark Expert

Yarden & Sarah

What does this profession do?

They develop ways to analyze tool mark individuality
Day-to-day activities include:
o
o
o
o

Reviewing notes and reports

Preparing written case reports of observations and findings
Identifying weapons
Developing applications involving the comparison, analysis, and
identification of physical evidence
o Preserving evidence for lab analysis/ comparison
o Conducting research (development of new techniques)

Skills Necessary
Skills in toolmark analysis are acquired through graduate
degrees, job experience and training programs
Knowing how to perform standard ballistics tests
Photographing firearms and related evidence
Operating specialized equipment
Performing chemical testing for forensic analysis
Preparing clear and concise reports
Using modern theories and methods for firearms
classification and identification

Equipment or tools needed

scan marks with a
profilometer, link
marks to tool
use statistical
methods to
distinguish tool
marks
cameras

Independent or team?
Usually work as a part of a bigger team
Can analyze things independently, but each case
analysis is reviewed by at least two examiners/experts
Usually government employees but sometimes for
private forensic laboratories
Midwest Forensics Resource Center works with FBI,
Dept. of Justice, Dept of Energy, Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives

Work Environment

Work inside in laboratory or at a desk

Office when preparing documentation
Laboratory during testing and analysis phase
There are no risks of on-the-job injuries as
long as tools are handled carefully

Education necessary
Specialized degree in toolmark examination
doesnt exist yet
Most investigators start with a degree in the
sciences usually in chemistry or chemistry
engineering

Typical Salary
National average
salary is $99,383
Salary widely varies
in location and
position

Benefits
fighting for justice
solving crimes
impact

Drawbacks

relatively low pay

bureaucracy (if government job)
long hours, not compensated
hierarchy

FBI Firearms/ Toolmarks Unit (FTU)

FTU applies scientific procedures to the forensic
examination of firearms, ammunition components,
toolmarks, serial number restoration, gunshot residue,
bullet trajectories & other closely related physical
evidence in support of the FBI & other law enforcement
agencies
Teams: Firearms Identification, Toolmark Identification
& Field Crime Scene Examinations Support

Toolmark Identification
Comparing stamps with stamped
impressions for identifications
Comparing tools with tool marks found at
the crime scene
Fracture matching
Lock and key examinations

In the next 5 years...

3% increase in available toolmark jobs

Dr. David P Baldwin

Director of ames Laboratorys Environmental and
Protection Sciences Program since 1999
Director of the Midwest Forensics Resource Center
(MFRC) since 2002
Center assists midwestern state crime labs, universities,
the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as many
other government agencies
Developed new method of mass spectroscopy to identify
metals, ceramics, and other materials commonly found
in tools

Works Cited
1) Bertino, Anthony J., and Patricia Nolan. Bertino. "Tool Marks." Forensic Science:
Fundamentals & Investigations. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2009. 478.
Print.
2) "Firearms/Toolmarks." FBI. FBI, 13 Aug. 2010. Web. 01 Mar. 2015. <http://www.fbi.gov/aboutus/lab/scientific-analysis/fire_tool>.
3) "How Much Do You Make?" Salary Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.cbsalary.com/salary-calculator.aspx>.
4) "What Is a Forensic Firearms and Toolmark Examiner?" How to Become a Crime Scene
Investigator. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.crimesceneinvestigatoredu.org/forensic-firearms-and-toolmarks-examiner/>.