Welcome to the National Laboratory Center, ATF’s state-of-the-art facility for utilizing science to support the Bureau’smission to reduce violent crime and protect the American public.

As you visit the center, or just read this pamphlet, we hopeyou get a better understanding of all the scientific resources andexpertise that ATF brings to bear in support of its law enforce-ment mission.

The center has three basic components:l National Forensic Laboratory, which evaluates evidence obtained in crimes involving firearms, at bomb scenes and from debris collected in suspected arson incidents.

l Fire Research Laboratory, the first facility in the world dedicated to fire scene investigations, includ- ing the ability to reconstruct fire scenes to deter- mine how fires begin and spread.

l Alcohol and Tobacco Laboratory, which conducts chemical, physical and instrumental analyses to support illicit alcohol and tobacco trade investigations.

The ATF laboratories have provided invaluable services tothe Federal government in the areas of law enforcement, industryregulation and tax collection for more than 100 years. ATF’sNational Laboratory Center follows in that tradition, tracing itsroots back to 1886, when Congress created the first Treasurylaboratory.

We hope you enjoy your visit.

ORGANIZATIONThe National Laboratory Center is run by ATF’s Office of Labora-tory Services, which provides analytical and advisory services onmatters of a scientific nature. Laboratory Services is made up offour organizational groups: the Forensic Science Laboratories inAtlanta, San Francisco and Washington, and the Fire ResearchLaboratory (FRL). The National Laboratory Center houses theFSL in Washington and the FRL and serves as the administrativecenter for Laboratory Services. Laboratory Services are part ofATF’s Office of Science and Technology.

STAFFING, CERTIFICATION ANDACCREDITATION

The ATF laboratories are composed of more than 100 personnel,including chemists, scientists, engineers, fingerprint specialists,firearm and toolmark examiners, questioned document examinersand administrative support personnel. ATF laboratory personnelhold leadership positions in numerous professional scientificorganizations and are considered among the most highly qualifiedspecialists in their individual fields.

Certification

ATF actively supports and encourages certification for individualscientists and examiners. Our specialists are, first of all, profession-als; certification by their peers is the highest endorsement of thatprofessionalism. Although not every discipline in the laboratoryhas a certification program, where one exists virtually all of oursenior examiners have sought and attained this important creden-tial. Certifying bodies include the:

l American Board of Forensic Document Examiners

l American Board of Criminalistics

l International Association for Identification (fingerprintspecialists)

l Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners

l Professional Engineer Certification Program (fire researchengineers).

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A typical certification program will require that the incumbent berecommended by a professional peer and undergo an applicationprocess that evaluates their training and qualifications. They mustcomplete a written test and practical examination, and they mustcomplete an oral board that is usually a presentation of a complextechnical problem. Recertification on a three- to five-year cycle willrequire documentation of a minimum set of accomplishments thatincludes points for continuing education, active participation inprofessional organizations, scientific presentations and publications.

Accreditation

The ATF laboratories were one of the pioneers in the creation of anational program for the accreditation of forensic laboratories.The ATF Laboratories followed through with this support by beingthe first federal laboratories to achieve accreditation by the Ameri-can Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accredita-tion Board (ASCLD/LAB). The ATF laboratories were first accred-ited in 1985 and have continued to maintain accreditation since.

ASCLD/LAB was created in 1982 with the objectives of improvingthe quality of laboratory services, developing criteria to assesslaboratory performance, provide independent and impartiallaboratory reviews, and to establish a means for the public toidentify laboratories that meet high standards1.

To maintain its accreditation, the ATF laboratories undergo arigorous on-site inspection every five years that evaluates all aspectof the laboratory including:

l The qualifications of personnel and standards for evaluation

l Employee development and training to proficiency

l Space, safety and security

l Evidence control, security, handling and preservationtechniques

l Management organization, planning, budget and adminis-trative practices

l Quality programs for methods and procedures, includingan internal audit program

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1 Paraphrased. For additional information go to www.ascld-lab.org .

l Internal and external communications

l Instrument maintenance, calibration and the use ofcomparison standards

l Administrative and technical reviews of work products

l Internal and external proficiency testing

ASCLD/LAB currently accredits more than 300 forensic laborato-ries nationally and internationally. ATF is proud that its laborato-ries were among the leaders in this important effort.

SERVICES PROVIDEDFirearm and Toolmark Examination

The ATF laboratories are among the few forensic laboratories inthe world that provide full service in all areas of firearm and

toolmark examinations.These include examina-tion of firearms, compari-son and identification ofbullets and cartridgecasings, restoration ofobliterated numbers,determination of firingdistances, identificationof toolmarks related tobombing and arsonincidents and caused by avariety of hand andmachine tools, and crimescene reconstruction inshooting incidents.

This expertise, for ex-ample, allowed ATF to connect the dots in the investigation intothe October 2002 sniper shootings that terrorized the metropoli-tan Washington, D.C., area.

Identification of toolmarks to a specific tool includes identificationof fired bullets and cartridge casings to a specific firearm. Underly-ing these examinations is the premise that tools (firearms) leavedistinct, reproducible and unique marks when in contact with a

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Firearms examiner fires a bullet from a pistol into aretrieval tank

softer metal used to manufacture bullets, cartridge casings, wires,locks, pipes and other components generally used to make an

explosive device. These markscan then be categorized,classified and, if a suspectedtool or a firearm is recovered,microscopically compared totest marks produced in thelaboratory by that tool or afirearm.

Restoration of firearm serialnumbers that have beenobliterated in an effort toconceal their identity oftenleads to the discovery of theirorigin. These restored num-bers are searched throughthe National Crime Informa-

tion Center (NCIC) providing investigators with valuable informa-tion tracing the firearms to the points of distribution and sale.

ATF Firearm and Toolmark Examiners are members of the Associa-tion of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) and were instru-mental in developing a comprehensive nationwide certificationprogram in three main specialty areas: Firearms Examination andIdentification, Toolmark Examination and Identification andGunshot Residue – Distance Determination. The first three AFTEcertified examiners came from within ATF’s ranks.

ATF Firearm and Toolmark Examiners conduct research in allspecialty areas and often publish their results in internationallyrecognized professional journals such as AFTE Journal and theJournal of Forensic Sciences (a publication of the American Academyof Forensic Sciences). They also conduct research in the develop-ment of standards accepted by the legal profession and the courtsto comply with the latest legal developments in admissibility ofphysical evidence and expert witness testimony.

ATF examiners provide expert testimony in all levels of state andfederal courts in all specialty areas of this profession, and oftenassist other examiners from the state and local crime laboratoriesin preparations for expert witness testimony.

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Bullet comparison for NIBIN

National Integrated BallisticInformation Network(NIBIN) Program

The ATF laboratories are anintegral part of NIBIN, a na-tionwide program using theIntegrated Ballistics Identifica-tion System (IBIS). This com-puter system, combined withmicroscopy and digital imaging,quickly searches databases formatching toolmarks left by afirearm on fired bullets andcartridge casings. This searchallows trained specialists to

associate evidence in crimes committed with firearms in multiplelocations throughout a geographical region. Without the system itwould virtually take years to comb through evidence in manylocations and be able to identify fired ammunition components toa particular firearm.

The country has been divided into 12 multistate regions whereapproximately 235 law enforcement sites operate IBIS systems.When a crime is committed with a firearm, fired bullets and/orcartridge casings are entered into the system and a database searchperformed to find any link between this evidence and evidence inother shooting incidents. Once the system identifies a potentialcandidate, a Firearm and Toolmark Examiner collects and micro-scopically compares the actual evidence. Numerous crimes havebeen solved that, if not for this system, would most likely havestayed unsolved.

Highly skilled IBIS Specialists located in all three ATF ForensicLaboratories review potentially matching images and determinewhether a Firearm and Toolmark Examiner should compare theactual evidence. IBIS Specialists also test-fire weapons for entryinto IBIS, conduct refresher-training sessions with their local andstate counterparts, and assist in data entry when an individual sitedevelops sizable backlogs.

ATF Firearm and Toolmark Examiners conduct research studiesusing IBIS to develop a statistical base for toolmark identification

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Bullet analyzed in the ballistics lab

criteria. They also work in concert with the National Institute forStandards and Technology (NIST) to develop a “standard bullet”that would be used for all NIBIN sites to calibrate and test theaccuracy of the instruments and the computer program.

Since ATF and itspartner agenciesbegan using thistechnology, theyhave recordedthousands of “hits,”many of which haveprovided criticalinvestigative leadsthat could not havebeen obtained byany other means.

Explosives Examinations

The ATF forensic laboratoriesperform more explosives examina-tions than any laboratory in theworld, and played key roles in theinvestigation of the 1993 WorldTrade Center bombing, Sept. 11,2001, terrorist attacks and othermajor criminal and industrial explosions. ATF’s forensic chemistsare specially trained in the identification of explosives and compo-nents of explosive devices. Evidence collected at scenes of explo-sions is examined to identify the type of explosive used and toidentify all the parts of the explosive device. These can includeblasting caps, leg wires, fuses, timing mechanisms, batteries, radiocontrolled components, igniters, containers, wire, tapes and anyother parts that may have been used to make the device. Theforensic chemists work closely with investigators to find devicecomponents that will help link a suspect to the crime.

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Pipe bomb

Close up of analysis of bomb fragment

When looking for theexplosive used, thechemists look for intactparticles that may havesurvived the blast whenlow explosives such assmokeless powder orblack powder are used.If a high explosive wasused, such as dynamite,water gels, or plasticexplosives, the explosiveis usually consumed inthe blast. The forensicchemist must findevidence that was closeto the blast, and recoverany explosive residues by rinsing the evidence with water or asolvent. A variety of instrumental methods are then used to iden-tify both low and high explosives.

Physical evidence recovered in the course of explosives-relatedinvestigations may be essentially intact or may consist entirely ofdebris recovered from the scene of an explosion.

The laboratory examination of intactexplosive materials and device compo-nents is relatively straightforward.Frequently, the laboratory can providea definitive identification of all of thecomponents, including the type andpossibly the brand of explosive. In theexamination of post-blast debris, theability of the laboratory to providedefinitive information is dependentprimarily on the quality and quantityof the evidence submitted. In either

case, the identification of the device components and the charac-terization of trace evidence such as hairs, fibers and toolmarks can:

l Assist the investigator in the search for suspects

l Associate a suspect with a device

l Associate devices from separate incidents

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Scientist using a microscope to examine a pipe bomb

Examiner uses microscope to analyzebomb fragment

It is therefore essential that the evidence be recognized, collectedand properly packaged if the laboratory examination is to providemeaningful information and assistance to the investigator.

Types of Explosives

Explosives are generally characterized as high explosives or lowexplosives, and high explosives can be further classified as com-mercial, military and improvised. Low explosives are materials thatburn rapidly or deflagrate; they generally require confinement tofunction as an explosive. Examples of low explosives include blackpowder, Pyrodex and smokeless powder. High explosives undergonearly instantaneous chemical decomposition; they detonate.Typical examples of high explosives include dynamite, TNT (trini-trotoluene), ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil) and Com-position C-4.

Devices made with low explosives are far more commonly observedthan those involving high explosives. Low explosives, such as blackand smokeless powder, are relatively inexpensive, easily purchasedand function upon application of a spark or flame. In contrast,high explosives have limited availability and require a shock-producing detonator for their initiation.

Fire Investigation, Researchand Education

The Fire Research Laboratory(FRL) is the only facility of its kindin the world to provide the neces-sary facilities, equipment and staffto work on important fire investiga-tion issues such as fire scene recon-

struction, flashover studies, validation of fire pattern analysisindicators, impact of accelerants on fire growth and spread, igni-tion studies and electrical fire cause analysis. Until the develop-ment of the FRL, there were no fire measurement facilities in theUnited States, or elsewhere, dedicated to the specific needs of thefire investigation community.

The initial concept of the FRL and Fire Research Center (FRC)facility arose from a demonstrated need identified by ATF’s Certi-

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fied Fire Investigators (CFIs). As they applied fire science theoriesto their investigations, they realized that there were a number ofquestions they could not answer. To better understand the firescene, they wanted to be able to reconstruct fire scenes undercontrolled conditions in order to apply more sophisticated tools to

fire ignition anddevelopment issues.

The FRC, completed inApril 2003, houses thefire test cells andmeasurement equip-ment to support theFRL forensic examina-tions. Using a varietyof fire measurementtechniques and com-puter modeling tools,FRL staff assist ATF’sCertified Fire Investiga-tors both in the fieldand the laboratory.The fire modelingillustration to the right,

one of the FRL tools, shows smoke movement under the FRC’slargest test hood. Laboratory fire scene reconstruction helps tosolidify scientific-based theories for fire ignition and developmentin any given case.

The FRC provides a controlled environment where fire investiga-tion theories can be evaluated and fire cause scenarios can bereconstructed. The 60’ by 60’ hood, shown above, in the finalstages of construction, is the largest calorimetry hood in the world.The FRC provides fire scientists, engineers, researchers and investi-gators with the capability to perform a wide range of standard andunique tests. These potential tests range from small-scale fire teststo full-scale testing of two-story structures.

The FRC has several test cells, or rooms, where full-scale test firesare conducted. This unique capability provides ATF the versatilitynecessary to reconstruct and test key aspects of most of the firescenarios encountered by fire investigators in the field.

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Large hood in the NLC Fire Research Lab large burn room

Using these test cells, the FRL has the ability to evaluate a widevariety of fire scenarios ranging from a simple burning trashcan toa completely furnished room or a full-scale structural mock-up.The FRL is equipped with state-of-the-art hood/exhaust systems,data acquisition systems and instrumentation to facilitate themeasurement of heat release rate (HRR), burning rate, heat fluxand temperatures of burning materials.

The work products developed by the FRL staff provide a bridgefrom theoretical fire research and testing knowledge to practicaltraining and education to benefit the fire investigation.

The FRL staff provides training that supports the professionaldevelopment of ATF Certified Fire Investigators (CFIs). The FRLconducts forensic applied research on behalf of ATF CFIs, pros-ecutors and the fire investigation community at large. The worksupports investigations, as well as broader fire investigation re-search needs. Often the work is done in partnership with others,such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)Building and Fire Research Laboratory and the University ofMaryland.

The FRL is an active participant in the worldwide community offire research laboratories and serves as an international model inthe training of personnel, developing investigative research,testing protocols and in fostering technical partnerships.

The FRL also maintains a program for visiting scientists/professorswho may be able to help FRL staff expand their knowledge andexpertise, while working on mutually beneficial research thatmight not otherwise be possible in the academic world. The FRLworks in cooperation with the National Institute of Standards andTechnology (NIST), International Association of Arson Investiga-tors (IAAI), United States Fire Administration (USFA), NationalFire Academy (NFA) and the National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) to develop enhanced investigative, prosecutorial andtraining methodologies and other initiatives designed to improvefire scene investigation, reconstruction and analysis.

Fire Debris Analysis

ATF’s forensic laboratories have specialized in supporting fireinvestigations and have examined the vast majority of evidence

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involving fire investiga-tions of federal interestfor more than 35 years.The primary role of thefire debris chemist is theexamination of fire debrisevidence for the recoveryand characterization ofany ignitable liquidresidues in the debrissample. Commonly, theseresidues would be fromgasoline, kerosene orperhaps charcoal lighterfluid. After the analysis iscomplete, the chemistgenerates a report as to

their findings and is subject totestifying in federal, state and localcourts as an expert witness. As anexpert witness, the chemist’s role isto explain his findings to the juryand judge.

Evidence is typically submitted tothe laboratory in clean unused paintcans. Upon receipt of the evidenceby the analyst, the evidence isinventoried and each can is brieflyopened and physically examined.While the can is open, the analystinspects the debris for any obviousodors and considers how to preserveany potential evidence that may beirreversibly damaged by the samplepreparation technique. For ex-ample, a Molotov cocktail (contain-ing a glass bottle filled with anignitable liquid and some type ofwick) recovered intact may containlatent fingerprints or a cigarette buttbearing DNA evidence.

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Gas chromatograph used in analyzing arson evidence

Examiner using solution in tray tobring up fingerprints on evidence

Fingerprint comparison

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Based on this initial assessment, the analyst will choose one ofseveral sample preparation techniques designed to recover ignit-able liquids from fire debris samples. In the ATF laboratory,charcoal adsorption is the technique of choice for most fire debrissamples. Most often, a strip impregnated with activated charcoal issuspended inside the can and the can is placed in a laboratoryoven at 65½C for up to 16hours after which the canis removed from the ovenand allowed to cool. Thestrip is then removedfrom the can, placed in ascrew cap vial and ex-tracted with a solvent foranalysis by Gas Chroma-tography-Mass Spectrom-etry (GC-MS). If anignitable liquid is foundin the debris, an investiga-tor might conclude thatsufficient physical evi-dence has been collectedto establish arson. Evenwhen coupled with thefacts of the investigator’sorigin and cause determination, this may be far from sufficientevidence to successfully develop or convict a suspect.

Occasionally, the laboratory is asked to make a specific brandidentification of an accelerant, especially gasoline. Gasoline iscommonly used in arson because it is readily obtained, relativelyinexpensive and easy to ignite. Successful comparisons of liquidsamples have been undertaken. Liquid accelerants remaining atthe scene (in containers or malfunctioned Molotov cocktails) havebeen associated with liquid samples found in a suspect’s possession(from a gasoline can or vehicle) or samples from a gas station inthe vicinity of the crime. Liquid samples are required for such acomparison. When the sample for comparison is from a gasstation, the sample must be collected from the gas pump beforeanother delivery of gasoline is made to the gas station.

Gas chromatograph used in analyzing arson evidence

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Alcohol Diversion

Alcohol diversion and smuggling is an ongoing illegal activity.Illicit alcohol trade involves moonshine, refilling, misbranding,counterfeit, smuggling, interstate diversion, and potable alcoholdiversion as nonbeverage alcohol.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Laboratory(ATL), which was one of the five ATFlaboratories before ATF split into twoagencies – one moving to the Depart-ment of Justice and the other remainingat the Department of the Treasury – hasthe specialized expertise to supportillicit alcohol trade investigations. Withthe Memorandum of Agreement be-tween ATF and the Alcohol and To-bacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB),

ATL will continue to support illicit alcohol trade investigations.

The primary role of ATL chemists is to examine evidence submit-ted by ATF investigators, generate a report on laboratory findings,and submit it to the field investigator to assist in arrest and indict-ment of illicit alcohol trade operators.

Typically laboratory examinationsinclude physical and chemical exami-nation and/or organoleptic evaluationfor excise tax classification and prod-uct authenticity. The most moderninstrumental techniques are employedin the analysis and in product profil-ing. The instruments utilized include:a Gas Chromatograph coupled withFlame Ionization Detector or MassSpectrometer, a High PerformanceLiquid Chromatograph, a Gas Chromatograph coupled withIsotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer, a Inductively Coupled PlasmaMass Spectrometer and a Digital Density Meter. ATL specialists useorganoleptic evaluation, where deemed necessary, along withanalytical profile for class and type designation and product au-thenticity. The ATL also maintains an extensive database onvarious beverage and nonbeverage alcohol products to assist inidentifying the alcohol product.

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Tobacco Diversion

Diversion, smuggling andcounterfeiting tobaccoproducts in the market placeare ongoing illegal activities.Illicit tobacco trade, includ-ing counterfeit state excisetax stamps, has skyrocketedsince the November 1998tobacco settlement betweenthe states and tobacco compa-nies, and the significantincrease in state excise tax oncigarettes. Illicit tobacco tradeinvestigations may involve tracking of tobacco shipments, counter-feit cigarettes and/or cigars, counterfeit state excise tax stamps,Internet sales, native and non-native enforcement, mail fraud, wirefraud, tax avoidance, money laundering, Jenkins’s Act violations,and/or inter-state diversion.

Under the Memorandum of Agreement between ATF andTreasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB),ATL will continue to support illicit tobacco trade investigations.

The primary role of the ATL tobacco chemist is to examine evi-dence submitted, generate a report on laboratory findings andsubmit it to the field investigator to assist in possible arrest and

indictment of illicit tobaccotrade operators.

Typically laboratory examina-tions include physical andchemical examination forexcise tax classification, physicalexamination of tobacco prod-uct, carton and state excise taxstamps of codes, markers andsecurity features for authentic-ity, and inorganic and organicprofiling for origin and/orcommon source of illicit product.

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For chemical analysis a smallquantity of tobacco from theevidence is pulverized andthe pulverized sample iseither extracted in solventsor digested in nitric acidprior to analysis. Analysis isperformed utilizing variousinstrumental techniquessuch as High PerformanceLiquid Chromatography, Ion-Chromatography, CapillaryElectrophoresis, Gas Chro-matography coupled withMass Spectrometer andInductively Coupled PlasmaMass Spectrometer. Physical examination involves evidence exami-nation under ultra-violet and infrared light source, photographiccapabilities coupled with microscopic examination, equipment andcomparison with established authentic markers.

The final task of the ATL tobacco chemist is to maintain an elec-tronic imaging system and an inorganic-organic profile database toassist an investigation by linking evidence submitted to commonorigin or a common source.

Looking for clues in the Trace Evidence Section

Artist rendition of the ATF National Laboratory C

enter