Forensic Firearms and Toolmark Examiner

Duties

The Firearm and Toolmark Examiner performs a variety of comparative analyses on projectiles, cartridge cases, firearms, and other related physical evidence to determine if they share a common source. Prepares reports and supporting documentation regarding results and interpretations of examinations conducted.

Essential Functions:

• Performs firearm and toolmark examinations, using scientifically sound and applicable procedures.
• Identifies and evaluates a variety of firearms and ammunition components.
• Performs mechanical evaluations of firearms to determine if they are functional and safe to fire. If minor repairs are needed to make firearm operational, repairs should be done when possible.
• Test fires firearms utilizing appropriate recovery equipment.
• Triages ammunition components and selects representative exemplars for NIBIN entry.
• Enters fired cartridge cases and/or shotshells into the NIBIN database, along with required data fields assigned.
• Reviews NIBIN correlation results for possible leads.
• Performs administrative duties related to NIBIN Leads, including supplementing reports in the Reports Management System (RMS).
• Serves as a subject area expert in the examination and comparison of firearm and toolmark evidence and maintaining a broad-based knowledge of forensic science.
• Testifies in court, as needed.
• Oversees the NIBIN Analysts training, proficiency, and work processes.
• Assists the Manager with forensic accreditation within the Firearm & Toolmark Examiner discipline.
• Performs other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.

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

Requirements

Knowledge and Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of fundamental examinations conducted by Forensic Firearms and Toolmark Examiners and principles of Forensic Science and practices.
• Knowledge of natural sciences and forensic sciences in forensic examination.
• Knowledge of assorted firearms, firearm safety, and their function, along with assorted ammunition brands and their components.
• Knowledgeable with occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, city officials, vendors, other government agencies, other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing and negotiate with technical staff, consultants, contractors, governmental agencies, city management, and citizens.
• Skilled in using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) entry and correlation review platforms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, physical, biological sciences, engineering, or forensic science from an accredited university.

EXPERIENCE:

• Four (4) years of professional level experience in conducting forensic firearm and toolmark comparisons which include testifying as an expert witness.

EQUIVALENCIES:

• A master's degree or higher in a specified field plus two (2) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.

LICENSE:

• Valid driver's license with good driving record.
• Must have or obtain a Forensic Analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) within probationary period.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must pass an intensive background investigation and drug test.
• No FELONY or Class A MISDEMEANOR convictions.
• No Class B MISDEMEANOR convictions within the last ten (10) years.
• No family violence convictions.
• Cannot currently be on deferred adjudication for any FELONY, Class A, or Class B MISDEMEANOR.

PREFERENCES:

• Certification in the area of Firearm Evidence Examination and Identification through the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) is preferred.
• Certification from the IBIS Brasstrax-3D training course provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is preferred.

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