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CURRICULUM VITAE

 

DARRYL G. BARR, B.Sc., FA/TM/GSR-AFTE

Forensic Scientist

Firearm and Toolmark Examiner

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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Over 30 years of unique experience working as a forensic scientist across Canada in both a federal and municipal capacity, employing scientific methodology and standards in the fight against rural and urban gun crime. Extensive knowledge of the scientific and legal requirements of firearm and shooting evidence analysis, as well as the practical challenges faced by law enforcement from crime scene or seizure to forensic analysis to courtroom testimony. Proven ability to use a combination of technology, processes and personnel to assist law enforcement in creating efficient and effective strategies to help combat gun crime.

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FORENSIC LABORATORY and PROCESS DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

 

  • Held a lead role in developing the first full-service forensic firearms laboratory in Canada in over 60 years, combining the latest technologies with innovative processes to provide meaningful intelligence early on in a firearm or shooting investigation. The laboratory was the first to implement IBIS technology and join the Canadian Integrated Ballistics Identification Network (CIBIN) on a municipal level.

 

Specific tasks included, but were not limited to:

  • Creation and classification of three categories of new positions/employees

  • Recruiting (including internationally) and assisting with the hiring of qualified new staff

  • Providing and arranging training for new staff

  • Creation of innovative new workflows and processes both within and outside of the laboratory to maximize the recovery potential and value of all shooting and crime gun evidence in the jurisdiction being served

  • Procurement of all laboratory equipment and supplies

  • Assisted in the design and construction of a state-of-the-art multi-million-dollar forensic laboratory facility

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  • New policies and procedures were created and implemented for a large municipal police service to deal with crime guns and shooting evidence in an entirely new way. From new workflows and evidence handling to forensic analysis and intelligence generation; the results of which are measurable and have proven to be highly effective in the fight against gun crime in a large urban jurisdiction.  

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  • Planning and development of two new provincial forensic firearms laboratories intended to serve both urban and rural jurisdictions. Tasks included conducting studies on anticipated workload, determining facility, equipment, and human resource requirements, operating budgets and assisting with recruiting and hiring for highly specialized positions.

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EMPLOYMENT

 

  • Bulletproof Forensic Consulting Ltd.

Founder/Director

November 2015 – Present.

 

Specializing in post-investigative shooting reconstruction and the 3D computer-reconstruction of shooting events for demonstrative evidence; provide gun-crime fighting strategy assistance for law enforcement agencies; firearm laboratory or crime gun analysis unit set-up assistance; provide training in forensic firearm and shooting analysis.

 

  • Calgary Police Service

Manager – Forensic Firearms and Toolmark Laboratory

Investigative Support Section

May 2011 – May 2024.

 

Development and management of the Forensic Firearms and Toolmark Laboratory for the Calgary Police Service. The laboratory was the first municipal forensic laboratory to open in Canada in over 60 years and the first to join the Canadian Integrated Ballistics Identification Network (CIBIN) on a municipal level.

Conduct comprehensive forensic analysis and reviews of firearm and shooting evidence.

 

  • R.C.M.P. National Forensic Services, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Forensic Scientist – Firearms and Toolmark Examiner

Firearms & Tool Mark Identification Section

August 2002 – May 2011.

 

Conducted comprehensive forensic analysis of firearm and shooting evidence from across Canada.

 

  • R.C.M.P. National Forensic Services, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Forensic Scientist – Firearms and Toolmark Examiner

Firearms & Tool Mark Identification Section

September 1992 - August 2002.

 

Conducted comprehensive forensic analysis of firearm and shooting evidence.

         

                                                                   

EDUCATION / FORMAL TRAINING     

 

  • Bachelor of Science Degree

University of Manitoba, 1992

 

  • Understudy Training Program in Firearms & Toolmark Examination (based on the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners Training Manuals), R.C.M.P. National Forensic Services - Winnipeg, Manitoba, September 1992 to October 1995.

 

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SPECIALIZATION

 

  • Forensic examination and review in the areas of:

 

  • Forensic firearms identification

  • Firearms operation and function testing

  • Ammunition examination & identification

  • Shooting scene reconstruction

  • Range determination / gunshot residue pattern analysis

  • Impact damage assessment

  • Terminal and wound ballistics

  • Toolmark identification

  • Serial number restoration

 

 

CERTIFICATIONS / APPOINTMENTS                          

 

  • Qualified as an expert witness under the forensic science discipline of Firearms & Toolmark Identification on sixty-five (65) occasions in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador in provincial and superior level courts, military courts martial and public inquiries.

 

  • Certified by the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) in Firearms Evidence Examination and Identification (December 2013/2018/2023); Toolmark Evidence Examination and Identification (December 2013/2018/2023) and Gunshot Residue Evidence Examination and Identification (March 2014/2019/2024).

 

  • Certified as a Forensic Firearms and Toolmark Examiner by the R.C.M.P., October 1995.

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  • Appointed as a “Firearms Analyst” for the purposes of Section 117.13 of the Criminal Code of Canada, October 2001.

 

  • Certified as an “Approved Verifier” by the Registrar, Canadian Firearms Registry, May 1999.

 

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PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) – Regular Member in good standing

    • AFTE Newsletter Desktop Publisher/Copy Editor

    • International Liaison & Resource Committee - Member

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  • Canadian Scientific Working Group on Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Identification (SWGGUN) – Member (finis 2024)

 

  • Police and Prosecutions Advisory Committee on Firearms (Alberta) – Member (finis 2024)

    • Firearm Forensics and Examination Sub-Committee - Co-Chair (finis 2024)

 

  • Scientific & Technical Review (STR) of Draft Standards proposed by the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (USA), temporary committee (2022) - Subject Matter Expert

 

  • Ontario Firearm Investigation and Expert Committee – Member (finis 2024)

 

  • Working Group for the Standardization of the Firearms Analyst Course (BC) – Member (finis 2024)

 

 

RESEARCH / PUBLICATIONS

 

  • MacAulay, L.E., Barr, D.G., Strongman, D.B. Effects of decomposition on gunshot wound characteristics: under moderate temperatures with insect activity. J Forensic Sci 2009; 54(2):443-447.

 

  • MacAulay, L.E., Barr, D.G., Strongman, D.B. Effects of decomposition on gunshot wound characteristics: under cold temperatures with no insect activity. J Forensic Sci 2009; 54(2): 448-451.

 

  • Barr, D.G. Modification to the common trigonometric method of bullet impact angle determination. AFTE Journal 2001; 33(2): 116-121.

 

  • Barr, D.G. The trig-elliptical method of bullet impact angle determination. AFTE Journal 2001; 33(2): 122-124.

 

  • Barr, D.G.  Para-Ordnance Model 85 dye marking tactical machine pistol. AFTE Journal 1997; 29(1): 3-13.

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SUPPLEMENTARY TRAINING

 

  • The Terminal Ballistics of Sheet Metal, AFTE Training Seminar, Anchorage, AK, May 2024.

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  • Additive Manufacturing and Tour at Stratasys, AFTE Training Seminar, Austin, TX, May 2023.

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  • Conversion Diversion, AFTE Training Seminar, Austin, TX, May 2023.

 

  • Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) Workshop: Overview & Current Trends, AFTE Training Seminar, Atlanta, GA, May 2022.

 

  • Implementation and Practical Applications of 3D Technology, Analysis and Statistics for FA/TM Examinations, AFTE Training Seminar, Atlanta, GA, May 2022.

 

  • Glock Flippin’ Switches Full Auto Conversion Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Miami, FL, August 2021.

 

  • Bullet Deflection as a Result of Perforation, AFTE Training Seminar, Nashville, TN, May 2019.

 

  • Barrel Making, AFTE Training Seminar, Nashville, TN, May 2019.

 

  • Contemporary Issues in Firearms Identification, AFTE Training Seminar, Nashville, TN, May 2019.

 

  • Bullets through Glass Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Charleston, WV, June 2018.

 

  • Recognizing an 80% Lower (Pistol and Rifle Platform) in Casework, AFTE Training Seminar, Charleston, WV, June 2018.

 

  • 3D Virtual Microscopy and Objective Identification for Firearms Identification, AFTE Training Seminar, Charleston, WV, June 2018.

 

  • Metallurgy for the Nonmetallurgist: For Firearm and Ammunition Procedures and Users, AFTE Training Seminar, Denver, CO, May 2017.

 

  • Is Murder A’ Foot? Crime Scenes – Staged or Simply Altered, AFTE Training Seminar, Denver, CO, May 2017.

 

  • Pixel This! High Speed Videography – AFTE Training Seminar, Denver, CO, May 2017.

 

  • Hi-Point Firearms Familiarization/Armorer’s Course, AFTE Training Seminar, New Orleans, LA, June 2016.

 

  • Shooting Scenes – Staged or Not Staged – Find the Red Flag Indicators, AFTE Training Seminar, New Orleans, LA, June 2016.

 

  • Expert Witness Testimony Techniques for Firearms Examiners in a Post Daubert/NAS Report and Current NCFS Environment, AFTE Training Seminar, New Orleans, LA, May 2016.

 

  • Designing Practical Experiments Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Dallas, TX, May 2015.

 

  • Body Farm Tour at Sam Houston State University, AFTE Training Seminar, Dallas, TX, May 2015.

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  • Autodesk 3ds Max Design Fundamentals, IMAGINiT Technical Training Services, Calgary, AB, December 2014.

 

  • Autodesk Revit Architecture Fundamentals, IMAGINiT Technical Training Services, Calgary, AB, November 2014.

 

  • IBIS Certified Trainer Training Course for BRASSTRAX, BULLETTRAX and MATCHPOINT, Forensic Technology, Montreal, Quebec, July 2014.

 

  • Suppressor Design and Examination Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Seattle, WA, May 2014.

 

  • 3D Technology Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Seattle, WA, May 2014.

 

  • Demystifying Error Rates Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Seattle, WA, May 2014.

 

  • Science Behind Firearm Individualization Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Albuquerque, NM, June 2013.

 

  • ASCLD/LAB Measurement Confidence Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Albuquerque, NM, June 2013.

 

  • Microscopy Database Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Albuquerque, NM, June 2013.

 

  • Sub-Class Characteristics Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Buffalo, NY, June 2012.

 

  • IBIS BRASSTRAX-3D and IBIS MATCHPOINT+ User Courses, Forensic Technology Inc., Calgary, AB, June 2011.

 

  • Crime Scene Analysis and Reconstruction Workshop, ACSR Training Seminar, Jacksonville, FL, February 2011.

 

  • Bullet Performance, Perforation of and Deflection by Various Target Materials Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Henderson, NV, May 2010.

 

  • Home-Made Suppressors Construction and Function Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Henderson, NV, May 2010.

 

  • Forensic Mapping with MapScenes software, Total Station and Evidence Recorder. MapScenes Certified Professional Training, Newmarket, ON, May 2008.

 

  • Forensic Shooting Scene Reconstruction Course, Forensic Science Consultants, LLC, Vancouver, BC, February 2008.

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  • Wound Ballistics Course, Dr. Besant-Matthews, Toronto, ON, December 2005.

 

  • 3D Studio VIZ visualization software, custom training, CAD/CAM Solutions of Canada Inc., Winnipeg, MB, March 2003 and June 2005.

 

  • Mathematics of Shooting Scene Reconstruction Workshop, AFTE Training Seminar, Phila., PA, 2003.

 

  • Hi-Point Armorer’s / Familiarization Course, AFTE Training Seminar, Phila., PA, 2003.

 

  • Savage Arms, Inc. Basic “Tactical Rifle” Armorers Course, AFTE Training Seminar, Phila., PA, 2003.

 

  • Shooting Scene Reconstruction Course, Forensic Science Services, Inc., Paulden, Arizona, 2002.

 

  • Shooting Incident Reconstruction Workshop, ACSR Conference, 2002.

 

  • AutoCAD 2002 Level 1 software, CAD/CAM Solutions of Canada Inc., Winnipeg, MB, March 2002.

 

  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) Magnetic Particle Inspection Serial Number Restoration School, Edmonton, AB, March 2000.

 

  • FBI Techniques in Firearms Identification School - FBI Academy, Quantico, VA, February 2000.

 

  • Bullet Trajectory Analysis Workshop, ACSR Conference, 1999.

 

  • FBI Bullet Trajectory Analysis School - FBI Academy, Quantico, VA, June 1998.

 

  • Canadian Society of Forensic Science Wound Ballistic Workshop - Regina, SK., September 1997.

 

  • Beretta U.S.A. Armorer Training Program on M92/96 Pistols - Regina, SK., September 1997.

 

  • Colt’s Law Enforcement Armorer’s Course on M16/AR-15 Rifles - Regina, SK., September 1997.

 

 

MANUFACTURING FACILITIES TOURED (firearms; ammunition; tools)

 

  • STRATASYS DIRECT MANUFACTURING (3D printing) – Belton, TX, May 2023.

  • JESSE JAMES FIREARMS UNLIMITED – Austin, TX, May 2023.

  • PARABELLUM RESEARCH LLC (ammunition), Bastrop, TX, May 2023.

  • ATLANTA ARMS and AMMUNITION – Covington, GA, June 2022.

  • ONTARIO KNIFE CO./QUEEN CUTLERY CO. - Franklinville, NY, June 2012.

  • KA-BAR KNIVES/CUTCO CUTLERY - Olean, NY, June 2012.

  • PRETORIA METAL PRESSINGS (PMP) - Pretoria West, South Africa, November 1998.

  • VEKTOR - Lyttelton, South Africa, November 1998.

  • TRUVELO Armoury Manufacturing Division - Lyttelton, South Africa, November 1998.

  • CARL WALTHER GmbH SPORTWAFFEN - Ulm, Germany, November 1998.

  • ULM PROOF HOUSE - Ulm, Germany, November 1998.

  • GLOCK GmbH - Deutsch-Wagram, Austria, October 1998.

  • HECKLER & KOCH GmbH - Oberndorf, Germany, October 1998.

  • FN HERSTAL S.A. - Herstal, Belgium, October 1998.

  • REMINGTON ARMS - Ilion, NY, May 1996.

  • AUTO ORDNANCE CORP. - West Hurley, NY, May 1996.

  • SCHRADE CUTLERY CORP. - Ellensville, NY, April 1996.

  • COLT'S MANUFACTURING CO. INC. - Hartford, CT, April 1996.

  • MARLIN FIREARMS CO. - North Haven, CT, April 1996.

  • O.F. MOSSBERG AND SONS - North Haven, CT, April 1996.

  • U.S. REPEATING ARMS CO. - New Haven, CT, April 1996.

  • THE WILSON ARMS CO. - Brantford, CT, April 1996.

  • THE CORNWALL & PATTERSON CO. - Bridgeport, CT, April 1996.

  • STURM, RUGER & CO. INC. and PINETREE CASTINGS - Newport, NH, April 1996.

  • SMITH & WESSON - Springfield, MA, April 1996.

  • FEDERAL CARTRIDGE COMPANY - Anoka, Minnesota, November 1993.

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TRAINING DELIVERED / SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

 

  • Speaker – "3D Printed Firearms - The Ultimate Crime Gun", ALERT Firearms Crime Investigations & Prosecutions Conference, Canmore, AB, June 2023.

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  • Speaker – “The Science of Firearm and Shooting Investigations”. ALERT Firearms Crime Investigations and Prosecutions Conference, Canmore, AB, October 2021.

 

  • Speaker – “The use of IBIS in crime gun analysis”. 2020 Firearm Examiner Course. Hosted by Edmonton Police Service Guns and Gangs Team, Edmonton, AB, March 2020.

 

  • Speaker – “An Innovative Strategy for Managing Firearm Related Casework”. Webinar hosted by Justice Clearinghouse, October 2018.

 

  • Speaker – "Integrating the Firearms Laboratory into a Proactive Gun-Crime Fighting Strategy”. INTERPOL Firearm Forensics Symposium, Dubrovnik, Croatia, October 2017.

 

  • Keynote speaker – Gang Symposium 2015. Hosted by Calgary Police Service & Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), Calgary, November 2015.

 

  • Instructor – “Workshop on best practices for policy development regarding firearms and shooting evidence collection”. INTERPOL Firearm Forensics Symposium, Singapore, October 2015.

 

  • Guest speaker - “Principles and methods used in the 3D reconstruction of the shooting deaths of four RCMP officers in Mayerthorpe”, Canadian Identification Society 35th Annual Educational Conference, Calgary, Sept. 2012.

 

  • Instructor - Forensic Science Diploma Program. Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS, 2004 - 2010.

 

  • Instructor - RCMP Forensic Expert Training delegation to China Criminal Police University. Shenyang, China, June 2006.

 

  • Guest speaker - Atlantic Canada Death Investigator’s Seminar. Halifax, NS, 2006.

 

  • Guest speaker - Seminar for Crown Prosecutor’s of Newfoundland and Labrador. St. John’s, NL, August 2006.

 

  • Instructor – “Techniques in Bullet Trajectory Analysis” course. Naif Arab Academy for Security Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 2001.

 

  • Research presented - “The trig-elliptical method of bullet impact angle determination”, at Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction (ACSR) 10th International Training Conference - Atlanta, GA, October 2000.

 

  • Research presented - “The trig-elliptical method of bullet impact angle determination”, at Canadian Society of Forensic Science 47th Annual Conference - Ottawa, ON, November 2000. 

 

 

TRAINING SEMINARS ATTENDED

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 54th Annual Training Seminar – Anchorage, AK, May 2024.

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  • ALERT Firearms Crime Investigations & Prosecutions Conference, Canmore, AB, June 2023.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 53rd Annual Training Seminar – Austin, TX, May 2023.

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  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 52nd Annual Training Seminar – Atlanta, GA, May 2022.

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  • ALERT Firearms Crime Investigations and Prosecutions Conference, Canmore, AB, October 2021.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 51st Annual Training Seminar – Miami, FL, August 2021.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 50th Annual Training Seminar – Nashville, TN, May 2019.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 49th Annual Training Seminar – Charleston, WV, June 2018.

 

  • INTERPOL Firearm Forensics Symposium – Dubrovnik, Croatia, October 2017.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 48th Annual Training Seminar – Denver, CO, May 2017.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 47th Annual Training Seminar – New Orleans, LA, May/June 2016.

 

  • INTERPOL Firearm Forensics Symposium – Singapore, October 2015.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 46th Annual Training Seminar - Dallas, TX, May 2015.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 45th Annual Training Seminar - Seattle, WA, May 2014.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 44th Annual Training Seminar - Albuquerque, NM, June 2013.

 

  • The 2nd Biennial Symposium: “Expert Forensic Evidence in Criminal Proceedings”, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Osgoode Professional Development Centre, Toronto, ON, October 2012.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 43rd Annual Training Seminar - Buffalo, NY, June 2012.

 

  • Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction (ACSR) 20th International Training Conference - Jacksonville, FL, February 2011.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 41st Annual Training Seminar - Henderson, NV, May 2010.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 34th Annual Training Seminar - Philadelphia, PA., May 2003.

 

  • Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction (ACSR) 12th International Training Conference - Denver, CO, October 2002.

 

  • Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction (ACSR) 11th International Training Conference - Las Vegas, NV, October 2001.

 

  • Canadian Society of Forensic Science 47th Annual Conference - Ottawa, ON, November 2000.

 

  • Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction (ACSR) 10th International Training Conference - Atlanta, GA, October 2000.

 

  • Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction (ACSR) 9th International Training Conference - Kansas City, MO, September 1999.

 

  • Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) 27th Annual Training Seminar - Milwaukee, WI, July 1996.​

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dbarr@bulletproofforensics.com

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