Investigator graduates ATF/NFEA training | Community Spirit

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott is proud to announce that Investigator Amanda B. Metz graduated from the National Firearms Examiner’s Academy (NFEA) on September 14, 2012 at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) National Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland. 

Sheriff Leon Lott stated that Amanda’s graduation follows a rigorous 49-week training curriculum in forensic firearm and tool mark analysis, preparing her for her final period of training at the department; to become a qualified firearm and tool marks examiner.    Sheriff Leon Lott stated that less than 15 students are accepted into the NFEA each year, from law enforcement agencies across the country, and during this course trainees are taught the principles and practices of forensic firearms and tool mark analysis (more commonly referred to by some as “ballistics” examinations).    Sheriff Leon Lott added that once Amanda completes her training, she will be join the team of qualified examiners assigned to the Richland County Sheriff’s Departments Forensic Sciences Laboratory The

Since 2003 the Richland County Sheriff’s Department has had full service Forensic Laboratory which helps solve cases using science; giving the department the ability to solve cases that they may not have been solved without the Laboratory.   Sheriff Leon Lott stated that this nationally accredited laboratory was established to afford victim’s quick and efficient service that helps to provide some sense of closure.