Forensic Scientist I, Firearms

Duties

CASE WORK AND REPORT WRITING ON FIREARMS EVIDENCE SEIZED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT officers in the course of their investigations. Analysis of evidence consists of one or more of the following:

• Evaluation of a firearm to determine functionality, safety, and alterations
• Test-firing of firearms
• Determination of caliber
• Determination of whether unknown ammunition components were fired from a particular firearm
• Determination of IBIS suitability
• Restoration of obliterated serial numbers
• The analysis must be documented and is kept in the laboratory case file and includes the Forensic Scientist’s notes, sketches, photographs and other related data that is generated during the analysis. This documentation must conform to the criteria set forth in the Crime Laboratory’s quality assurance procedures.

SPECIALIZED CASE ASSIGNMENT – Technical Field Assistance

• The analyst may be called upon to process major crime scenes by locating and recovering projectiles.

COURT TESTIMONY AND COMMUNICATION

• The Forensic Scientist must testify in state and federal courts as to his/her analysis of the evidence. The Forensic Scientist is, through education, training and experience, qualified by the court as an expert in the field of forensic firearms analysis before being allowed to testify about the analysis.

PEER REVIEW OF CASEWORK

• This position is responsible for the review of their peer’s laboratory reports to ensure they meet laboratory standards for quality assurance prior to issuance. It is the reviewer’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed and that there are no administrative errors in the case’s report or supporting documentation.

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

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

• Employees must have knowledge of the principles, concepts, theories, reference sources and laboratory practices involved with the forensic examination of evidence.
• Employees must have knowledge of criminal law and of the rules and regulations regarding evidence gathering and handling.
• Employees must have knowledge of scientific methodology and of laboratory safety practices.
• Ability to perform and record complex standardized and non-standardized laboratory tests and procedures.
• Ability to analyze results, interpret methodology and to understand and solve theoretical problems.
• Ability to express technical information clearly both orally and in writing when reporting results, testifying or explaining procedures to others.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perceive colors normally and make olfactory distinctions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a major in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physical science (physics), mechanical engineering, criminal justice or closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirement

• Must obtain individual certification consistent with international and ISO standards within eighteen months of the date the analyst becomes eligible to seek certification according to the standards of the certifying entity.

Management preference:

• Two (2) years of related experience, IBIS/NIBIN experience

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