Forensic Firearms Identification Training

Send your trainees to become bench-ready forensic firearms examiners.

The Forensic Firearms Identification Training Certificate Program is a cohort-based, noncredit certificate program, directed by the VCU Department of Forensic Science. The 18-month program will accept participants via an application process, and is delivered through six modules using a combination of teaching/training modalities.

This program is designed to be an external training resource to firearms sections/units within crime laboratories, and aims to provide quality training to entry-level trainees already hired by a crime laboratory unit. The objective of the training is to produce bench-ready firearm analysts in the area of microscopic comparisons of firearm-related evidence.

Tentative schedule:

• Module 1 - February 1-May 3, 2024

  Learn about Module 1

  Details

  1. Asynchronous remote learning
  2. Self-paced course through the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS)
  3. Readings, essays, and written tests
  4. Curriculum includes (but is not limited to):

  • • History and Introduction to Firearms, Ammunition & Firearms Identification
    • Instrumentation and Evidence Handling
    • Cognitive issues in comparative analysis
    • Presentations and Public speaking

• Module 2 - May 13-August 2, 2024

  Learn about Module 2

  Details

  1. In-person on the VCU Campus
  2. This is a laboratory-intensive module focused on assessing and improving mechanical aptitude and microscopic pattern recognition skills.
  3. Curriculum includes (but is not limited to):

  • • Manufacturing processes (including one-week facilities tour)
    • Firearm Safety, Mechanics and Functionality
    • Microscopic Examinations (including class and individual characteristic evaluation)
    • NIBIN system training (dependent on availability of host site)

• Module 3 - August 5-December 6, 2024

  Learn about Module 3

  Details

  1. Home lab; weekly synchronous meetings
  2. Practical assignments sent home with each trainee
  3. Oral technical sessions held remotely with the instructor
  4. Curriculum includes (but is not limited to):

  • • Firearm mechanics and function assignments (including assembly/disassembly and test firing)
    • Microscopic comparison assignments (provided by the instructor)
    • Shadowing requirement – minimum number of hours dedicated to shadowing examiners conducting casework examinations and testimony, as available
    • Mid-training assessment (including competency tests and oral examination)

• Module 4 - December 9-January 10, 2025

  Learn about Module 4

  Details

  1. Home lab; daily synchronous meetings
  2. Curriculum includes (but is not limited to):

  • • Introduction to Daubert and advanced testimony topics
    • Presentations and Mock trial testimony
    • Cognitive bias training
    • Advanced topics in forensic firearms identification

• Module 5 - January 13-May 2, 2025

  Learn about Module 5

  Details

  1. Home lab; weekly synchronous meetings
  2. Advanced practical assignments will be sent to home labs during Module 4.
  3. Curriculum includes (but is not limited to):

  • • Advanced firearm function assignments
    • Complex microscopic comparison sample sets and assignments
    • Shadowing requirement (similar to Module 3)
    • Written and practical tests

• Module 6 - May 12-August 8, 2025

  Learn about Module 6

  Details

  1. In-person on the VCU Campus
  2. This will be a laboratory-intensive module (and final module) focused on competency assessment and expert testimony, including practical exams, competency tests, and moot court.
  3. Trainees will complete a final series of competency tests and mock trial.
  4. After successful completion of this module, trainees will participate in a small graduation ceremony and be issued certificates for completion of the program.
  5. Laboratory training coordinators will be provided all training materials upon completion, including monthly evaluations and copies of all assignments completed during the course of the training.

Graduation/certification presentation ceremony

The ceremony is tentatively scheduled for August 15, 2025, following successful program completion.

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	Program benefits
“Bench ready” training	Cost-benefit analysis	Individualized training
Complete training program with minimal follow-up training necessary; trainees will be ready to conduct microscopic comparisons out of training	No/minimal loss in productivity at the hiring lab; minimal involvement on behalf of the lab training coordinator, allows them to focus on their primary casework responsibilities, saving time and resources	Balances in-person, hands-on training with the instructor, and self-guided training; time and resources for trainees to build important skills on their own, such as self-initiative, time management, and critical thinking development
	Why choose VCU?
Reputation in the forensic science field	Dedicated full-time faculty instructor with 15+ years of practitioner experience	Paying it forward to the forensic community
Well-established reputation as one of the best Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs for quality and professionalism in the academic and forensic communities across the US and abroad	One of the only universities with a firearm and toolmark examiner as a full-time faculty member, who actively offers consultation and forensic services to the law enforcement and legal communities in Virginia; maintains membership with AFTE and AAFS	Invests in future forensic scientists with program revenue supporting the future of the forensic community through the VCU Department of Forensic Science through expansion and improvement of academic programs and training certificate programs

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• A tour of manufacturing facilities in the New England area, including all travel and accommodations, except per diem
• All course materials and supplies (including ammunition, firearms, firing range visits, consumable office supplies, equipment necessary for examinations and training exercise, and materials for practical and competency tests and external proficiency tests)
• Monthly instructor updates

A message from the department chair

 

Tracey Dawson Green, Ph.D.

Department Chair and Professor, Forensic Science

"The VCU Department of Forensic Science is dedicated to hosting relevant and meaningful continuing educational opportunities for the forensic practitioner community. We are excited to host this one-of-a-kind forensic firearms training program, which will include instruction by highly skilled, experienced firearms examiners and our brand new state-of-the-art forensic microscopy facility."

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Ready to get started?

Click "Yes, I want to apply now!", tell us about your lab and trainee(s), and we will review your application and be in touch with a decision! Please note that the cohort will be filled on a first come, first serve basis, and additional applications will be waitlisted once all seats have been filled.

Yes, I want to apply now!