8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Eastern
Instructor: Eugene Liscio, P. Eng
Course Overview
- Hands-on training in bullet trajectory documentation using manual and digital methods
- Full trajectory reconstruction techniques
- Manual and advanced trajectory documentation methods with emphasis on errors and uncertainty
- Strong focus on measurement defensibility and courtroom readiness
- Includes multiple scenarios, mock court, and online certification exam
Agenda
Day 1 – Single Impact Methods (Foundations & Geometry)
Topics
• Bullet defect morphology and interpreting impact features
• Ellipse geometry fundamentals and trigonometry refresher
• Error sensitivity at shallow angles
• Manual and digital measurement approaches
• Lead-in (rocker) method considerations
Exercises
• Substrate interpretation lab using wood, drywall, and metal
• Manual ellipse measurements with calipers and angle calculations
• Error sensitivity worksheet (measurement variation impact)
• Digital ellipse fitting using CloudCompare on same impacts
• Lead-in method validation on metal panels only
• Single-shot mini case reconstruction
Day 2 – Rods, Photography & Coordinate Geometry
Topics
• Trajectory rod theory and installation
• Analog angle gauges and protractor measurements
• Photographic rod measurement techniques
• Laser trajectory projection methods
• Two-point/baseline offset coordinate math
• Angle conventions and coordinate systems
Exercises
• Rod installation and alignment lab
• Vertical angle measurement with analog gauge
• Horizontal angle measurement using 90° or printed protractors
• Photographic rod documentation and digital angle extraction
• Two-point coordinate calculations from measured X, Y, Z points
• Ceiling shot projection to floor reference for horizontal angle
• Vehicle grid measurement and reconstruction exercise
• Multi-impact wall reconstruction scenario
Day 3 – Pattern & Distribution Evidence (Applied Reconstruction)
Topics
• Shotgun pellet pattern behavior and ellipse fitting
• Distance estimation principles and calibration
• Cartridge case ejection theory and mapping
• Statistical interpretation and uncertainty analysis
Exercises
• Shotgun pattern collection at multiple distances and angles
• Digitizing pellets and best-fit ellipse analysis in CloudCompare
• Calibration curve creation for distance estimation
• Unknown pattern distance estimation exercise
• Cartridge case baseline mapping and coordinate recording
• Ground truth ejection study with known firearm/ammunition
• Shooter location inference with known and unknown trajectory scenarios
Day 4 – Capstone Scenarios, Mock Court & Certification
Morning – Multi-Scenario Practicum
• Teams rotate through several mock shooting scenes
• Document impacts, rods, coordinates, cartridge cases, and patterns
• Photograph, measure, calculate, and diagram each scenario
Midday – Assigned Presentation Preparation
• Each team assigned one scenario to formally present
• Prepare diagrams, calculations, trajectory graphics, and conclusions
• Justify method selection and describe uncertainty ranges
Afternoon – Presentations & Mock Court
• Team PowerPoint presentations
• Peer comparison of results between groups
• Instructor-led mock court questioning and literature-based defense
Final – Online Examination
• Individual online assessment using ClassMarker platform
• Covers methods, math, interpretation, and uncertainty
• Passing score required for Certificate
Required Equipment
• Digital camera preferred (phone camera acceptable)
• Laptop with CloudCompare or equivalent software installed
• Trajectory rods, lasers, protractors, angle gauges, and other tools provided by instructor
100 College Drive
Allentown, PA 18104
Click here for Google Maps
| 6/15/2026 - 6/18/2026 |    |