SDD Proficiency Testing Scheme

PT scheme on shooting distance determination for forensic laboratories worldwide

Starting in 2023, the International Proficiency Testing Scheme for the Estimation of Shooting Distance by Chemographical Coloring (SDD Quality Scheme) is provided by quo data Gesellschaft für Qualitätsmanagement und Statistik mbH in cooperation with the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) and with the support of members of the ENFSI expert working group "Firearms/GSR" who have agreed to form an advisory board.

This Proficiency Testing Scheme is the continuation of a series of three PT rounds, organized and conducted by the ENFSI expert working group "Firearms/GSR" between 2015 and 2021. 

PT rounds will be offered annually. In each round, screen-printed samples (test series and case shot) are sent to the participants. These samples are optimized for chemographical methods. Performance of the participants will be assessed via z scores and will be based both on an estimate of shooting distance and on an estimate of the range (minimum and maximum distance).

This PT scheme is particularly important for accredited laboratories which are required to regularly participate in external quality assessment exercises.