Seminar held in Buffalo, New York had 388 attendees from 28 countries. Corporate structure The AFTE is governed by a board of directors based on corporate bylaws and a code of ethics. Elections for board members are held annually in conjunction with a training seminar. The primary objectives of the members of the Association include: The exchange of information and developments Standardization of theory, practice and techniques Dissemination of information at annual training seminars through presentations involving the theory and practice of firearm and tool mark examination and its related subjects Publication of a journal covering the latest developments in firearm and tool mark examination. Membership in the Association is limited to persons "of integrity" with suitable education, training and experience in the examination of firearms and/or tool marks. Membership levels include Provisional, Regular, Distinguished and Emeritus. Those levels range from non-voting trainees through those whose superior effort had furthered the work and purposes of the organization. Honorary Membership may be conferred upon individuals in recognition of distinguished service to the Association or to the field of firearm and/or tool mark examination. Technical Advisor status is conferred to designated employees of manufacturers of products used or encountered in the investigation of firearm or tool mark evidence or specialists in closely related fields, whose area of expertise would be beneficial to the Association. Publications The official website of AFTE offers news, member and guest forums and member resources. The AFTE Journal, the quarterly, peer-reviewed publication of the organization, contains scholarly articles, case reports, technical reports and occasional reprints. The bylaws of the Association establish several standing committees with provisions for special, ad hoc or temporary committees as necessary or desirable. Included are Advisory, Board of Admissions, Bylaws, Certification, Editorial, Ethics, Historical, Research and Development, Scholarship, Standardization/Training, Technical Advisors as well as Website Committees. Certification AFTE administers a certification program to qualified members in any or all of three specific fields of Firearm Evidence Examination and Identification, Tool Mark Evidence Examination and Identification and/or Gunshot Residue Evidence Examination and Identification. Both written and practical examinations are required. Research and development The Research and Development Assistantship provides funding for approved projects that will result in the development of or improvements to investigative methods or techniques enhancing the quality of the discipline. Firearm identification is sometimes incorrectly referred to as ballistics. References External links The Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners Official Website