Comparative Evidence Unit:

The Comparative Evidence Unit encompasses firearms, toolmark, footwear, and tire imprint and impression analysis. In this unit, the marks produced by these items are analyzed and compared to other evidence markings, to determine their origin. This unit also performs serial number restoration, sound suppressor evaluation, projectile velocity measurement, and determination of firing distance. Currently the Comparative Evidence Unit is participating in the FBI-Ames Laboratory Blackbox Study to further evaluate the reliability of firearms examiners in the analysis and comparison of cartridge cases and bullets.