On-site 3-day training course
Kasia Lynch will introduce the principles, the process, including visual and chemical examination, and possible limitations of performing muzzle-to-target distance determination examinations. This course will include a lecture portion as well as hands-on activities to provide students with guided experience in the practical application of the examination. The hands-on activities are designed to encompass various scenarios that an examiner may encounter while working muzzle-to-target distance determination cases.
What You’ll Learn:
– The science behind determining muzzle-to-target distance determination
– The chemicals and reagents commonly used to perform these examinations
– Hands-On experience performing the various tests and creating test patterns
– The limitations regarding muzzle-to-target distance determination
– Reporting suggestions and guidelines
What You’ll Need:
– Location for lecture with PowerPoint presentation
– Lab space with chemical hoods (max of 4 students per hood)
– Range
– Reference firearms for testing
– Chemicals
– Twill jean
– Cheese cloth
– Spray bottles
– Camera
– Rulers
– Agency-standard worksheets and/or note-taking supplies
Kasia Lynch
Certified Forensic Firearm Examiner
I began my career as a Forensic Scientist Firearm and Toolmark Examiner after having graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in biochemistry and a master’s in forensic science. During the 12 years that I worked at the state agency, I conducted thousands of firearm examinations and comparisons, including serial number restorations, bullet path analysis, muzzle-to-garment distance determination, and crime scene documentation.
I have been a member of the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) since the beginning of my career, have served on an AFTE committee since 2016, and earned my certification in Firearm Evidence Examination and Identification through AFTE in 2021. I became a Firearms Instructor for the agency in 2017 and have taken numerous armorers courses.