The evaluation and validation of IDenta Corporation's Bullet-hole Testing Kit (BTK).

Abstract

Originally developed in 1982, IDenta Corporation’s Bullet-hole Testing Kit (BTK) is currently being used around the world in the field of crime scene analysis. IDenta claims the kit can successfully be used to identify a bullet hole and determine its caliber. The kit was used to test 180 holes made by firearms and other non-firearm weapons. Though the statistical analysis of the data shows there is not enough evidence to conclude the BTK is capable of identifying a bullet hole or determining a bullet’s caliber, there are additional factors that must be considered. The user’s ability to distinguish between true bullet holes and false positives is achieved through additional training and shows the kit as an aid in identifying true bullet holes. Furthermore, further research concerning the kit’s ability to determine a bullet’s caliber has the potential to support such a claim.