Firearms Technician

Duties

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for the examination of firearms and cartridge case(s) evidence through the proper use and maintenance of specialized equipment such as trigger pull gauges, microscopes, photography equipment and various equipment related to the examination and test firing of evidence firearms
• Responsible for the examination and test firing of firearms evidence to obtain exemplars for entry into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) database and retains exemplars for potential additional use
• Enters fired cartridge case evidence into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network database
• Ensures the proper handling and packaging of individual items of evidence, while following appropriate safety protocols, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) methodologies
• Evaluates all evidence items to identify the evidence type and to determine the necessary sequential processes
• Responsible for rendering firearms safe for examination
• Evaluates the cause of malfunctioning evidence firearms and attempts to restore the evidence firearm to operational condition to include using de-rusting techniques on evidence
• Maintains Firearms evidence vaults and enter evidence into the laboratory case management system.
• Responsible for the preparation of analysis documentation on examinations conducted, and issuing a report as to the results of the forensic processes completed
• Responsible for technical and administrative reviews of NIBIN case files
• Required to adhere to appropriate quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) methodologies employed throughout the laboratory, per the accreditation standards
• Responsible for maintaining NIBIN equipment, and supplies required for equipment operation. Assisting in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of the section’s instruments
• Responsible for ensuring that laboratory evidentiary control policies and procedures are followed to include data entry, creating formal case reports, maintaining chain of custody on each item of firearms evidence, and reconciling of section evidence locations
• Assists Supervisor to develop, implement and provide technical guidance to all employees within the laboratory, to include QA/QC, in addition to the recommendation of practices and/or implementation of newly developed forensic processes
• Provides expert testimony in court proceedings regarding the analysis completed and the significance of the results on individual cases
• Preparation for testimony also includes pre-trial meetings with prosecution/defense and depositions
• Trains laboratory staff and/or authorized individuals in Firearms Technician duties and firearm safety
• Serves as a liaison between I-MCFSA and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure that technical support is provided, through electronic communications, telephone correspondence and personal meetings
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

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

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or related science courses.
• Five (5) years’ experience in crime scene processing, working with firearms, or law enforcement experience with graduation from a state law enforcement academy may be used as a degree equivalent.
• Firearm handling and the physical ability to analyze and test fire a firearm is required.
• Incumbent should possess the ability to learn and employ safe handling techniques for biologically contaminated evidence, practice safe chemical hygiene, and handle firearms safely.
• Must have the ability to make detailed notes describing evidence received; processes used; and triaging requests for forensic analysis.
• Incumbent shall maintain proficiency through annual proficiency testing.
• Incumbent must be willing and capable of completing an internal/external training program determined by the Forensic Scientist Supervisor - Firearms and the Quality Assurance Program, and capable of completing additional specialized training, as required or available, from Federal, State, Local agencies and other organizations.
• Must have basic knowledge of the criminal justice system and familiarity with the sensitive and confidential nature of evidence managing and examination.
• Must be able to establish and set priorities according to time sensitive information in order to have continued success in this position.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in oral, verbal, and written formats.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or a related science courses, including minimum qualifications listed.

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