Criminalist (Firearms & Toolmarks)

Duties

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs the examination of evidence such as firearms, ammunition, ammunition components.
• Test fires firearms for the determination of operability and the identification of malfunctions.
• Microscopically compares known fired evidence samples to evidential samples for the purpose of identification or elimination.
• Examines, evaluates, and identifies fired evidence components for the determination of type of firearm involved.
• Performs specialized tests related to firearms identification, (e.g., barrel/overall length, serial number restorations, etc.).
• Generates detailed documentation related to all examinations, performs quality assurance and conducts laboratory procedures in accordance with ANAB policies.
• Provides expert testimony relating to results of analyses; consults with and advises attorneys and other law enforcement officials in forensic matters.
• Maintains safe conditions in the laboratory.
• Provides assistance in the field to police and crime scene search personnel as needed.
• Perform related work as required.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in a natural science, forensic science, or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in firearm identification casework as a Firearm Examiner, Firearm Examiner Trainee or higher.
• Documented completion of a recognized training program performing microscopic comparisons of firearm and/or tool produced toolmarks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of full-time documented experience as a Firearm Examiner in an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or ISO/IEC 17025 accredited crime laboratory.
• Documented testimony as an expert witness in firearm identification.
• Familiarity and/or training with firearm related databases such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
• Experience in multiple disciplines such as Firearms, Toolmarks, Serial Number Restoration, Shoe Print and/or Tire Tread Analysis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, equipment, and current techniques used in forensic evidence testing including firearm identification, toolmark examination and related subjects.
• Knowledge of the methods used in collecting and preserving physical evidence, maintaining legal chain of custody and presenting such evidence in court as an expert witness.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, quality assurance, accreditation, laboratory paperwork, terminology and core operations of a forensic laboratory.
• Knowledge of ANAB and ISO 17025 accreditation standards, forensic laboratory quality assurance and general laboratory safety.
• Ability to examine, identify, and analyze firearms, ammunition, their components and related materials.
• Ability to microscopically compare fired bullets, cartridges cases, and other ammunition components to determine if they were fired from a specific firearm.
• Ability to evaluate, handle, load and test fire various types of firearms in a safe manner.
• Ability to work safely with biological and chemical hazards without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, to formulate and present ideas in an effective manner and to create comprehensive understandable reports of findings.
• Ability to follow oral and written procedures and policies and the ability to read and comprehend authoritative directives, laws, and ordinance

ADA and Other Requirements:

• Positions in this class typically require grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting, standing, climbing, or walking for extended periods of time
• Communicate both verbally and by writing to exchange information
• Light to moderate lifting and carrying; some crouching, stooping, squatting, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling when responding to calls
• Ability to see, hear, and communicate information effectively

Sensory Requirements:

• Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities)
• Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain.
• Ability to comprehend written information in work-related documents.
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech.

Working Conditions:

• Indoor/outdoor environment with varying weather & environmental conditions. May be present at crime scenes and exposed to deceased individuals.

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