Unfortunately, the VCM exercises were written in Adobe FLASH.  Adobe dropped support for this programming language and all of the internet browsers ( Chrome, Firefox, Explorer and Edge) are dropping support as well.  So, the exercises have stopped working. 

I have looked into alternatives to FLASH and unfortunately nothing is working as a replacement yet.  Also, having the applications reprogrammed to the latest html5 programming language would be cost prohibitive.  This has always been offered for free and I don't plan to start charging a fee.

I'll likely just open up the resource area to anyone without registration but the VCM, classroom and instructor sections will be removed.

Sorry but it had it's run for almost 14 years.

Thanks for everyone's support!

Scott Doyle

The online quizzes still do not work properly. We have been trying to find the problem since the move to the new server but the fix eludes us! I have converted the Firearms Identification 50 question quiz into a WORD Form Document and if you are an instructor and would like a copy of the quiz (and answers) please submit a Help Desk ticket and I'll sent it to you. Sorry for the continued problems with the quizzes!

Thanks,
Scott Doyle

Register for the Resource Area and try your hand at the Virtual Comparison Microscope™ (VCM™)! The VCM simulates what it is like to microscopically compare both bullets and cartridge cases. Several exercises for each are provided and get progressively harder. A printable certificate is provided when you successfully complete an exercise. Get yours today!

The Scientific Working Groups have been tasked by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in the report entitled Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward 2 with directing the forensic science communities in the establishment of standardized procedures and protocols. The following document is in response from the Scientific Working Group for Firearms and Toolmarks (SWGGUN) to this request.

"The Science of Firearm/Toolmark Identification continues to be challenged by critics within the legal community and the media. The National Academy of Sciences has issued reports critical of the scientific foundations of the discipline.^2,3 Other critics in the legal and academic fields have identified mistakes made by crime laboratories which have resulted in massive overhauls of the identified systems and evaluations of previous casework of the affected examiners.9-13 These critics have argued that there is a lack of empirical research and that the validity of the science has yet to be established.^9-13 They also claim that the methods which examiners employ during the examination and evaluation of firearm and toolmark evidence have yet to be standardized.^9-12"

Click here to read to full response

The SWGGUN met in Missoula, Montana for their semi-annual meeting from October 20-23, 2008. Fifteen members of the Board members were present for the meeting with three members absent and two Board vacancies through recent resignations. Topics and issues covered during this meeting are listed below.

The Board reviewed the following proposed guidelines and then voted that these guidelines be adopted and placed on the website for final posting:

• Verification of Conclusions (inserted in QA/QC Guidelines)

• Standardization of Comparison Documentation

The Board reviewed the following guideline and voted to post this document on the website for review:

• ISO 17025 Transition

The Admissibility Resource Kit (ARK) Maintenance Committee presented the following reports and updates to the Board:

• Eight new court ruling citations and summaries have recently been added to the Admissibility Resource Kit (ARK). Many of these rulings involved reference to the NAS/NRC Report on Ballistic Imaging.

Visit www.SWGGUN.org for more information and additional resources