Firearm Examiners and
Ballistic Experts
By Sean Fleming and Wes
Career Summary
 Firearm Examiners and Ballistic Experts use microscopic
comparisons of marking to associate an item of evidence with a
particular source
Examination process
 By using the Comparison Macroscope (on the left), Ballistic Experts are able
to examine gun markings and rifling impressions very efficiently and
thoroughly
 A submitted firearm will be fired several times using a water tank (on the
right) to obtain standards from the firearm used in a crime scene
Career Education Requirements
 To accomplish a career in Firearm and Ballistic Forensics an
individual would require…
 A bachelors degree in Forensic Science
 A bachelors degree in Criminology
 Some amount of training in mechanical engineering or metallurgy
 Required training in this field would include…
 Crime scene searches
 Evidence handling
 Expert witness testimony training
 Firearms identification
Advantages and Disadvantages
 Some advantages proceeding in this career could include…
 Using the career knowledge outside of his/her job
 Understanding of gun violence and misuse of a deadly weapon
 Could possibly lead to other careers such as joining the police force
 Some disadvantages could comprise of…
 Low to moderate annually pay and overall salary
 Possible dangerous situations within the work space
 Vigilant responsibility and reliability is held towards an examiner
The Zimmerman Trial
Summary:
The Zimmerman Trial was held against George Zimmerman for the murder
of Treyvon Martin. It was believed that Martin was killed with one shot at contact
range from George Zimmerman’s 9mm hand gun. Zimmerman was first charged
with second-degree murder and manslaughter due to some evidence found by
Firearm Examiner Amy Siewert, then was relieved of all charges later in the case.
This controversy started on June 10th and came to an end on July 13th.
Firearm Examinations Impact the Court
 Amy Siewert is a FDLE crime lab firearms analyst that testified in the
Zimmerman Case on July 3rd 2013, that greatly impacted the jury
 Amy Siewert testified that tearing and residue such as gunpowder marks on
Martin's clothing showed the gun was directly against him when it was fired.
 This powerful piece of defense evidence included a 2-inch circle of tiny gunpowder marks around the bullet hole on Trayvon Martins chest
Career Summary
 The starting yearly salary for a firearm examiner is around $32,000
 The average annually pay is approximately $40,000
 85% of Forensic Firearm Examiners are Male
Employment Prospects
 Schooling includes ITT Tech, AIU Online, Kaplan University, etc.
 After college you can get hired by police stations
 Most police stations in the city, with more crime rate
 Crime scene investigation groups
Related Careers
 Crime Scene Investigators
 Forensic Toxicologist
 Trace Evidence Examiner
 Crime Laboratory Examiner
 Forensic Pathologist/Medical examiner