Criminalist II (Lead Firearms & Tool Mark Examiner)

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise the following: Staff assigned to the firearms section in the Laboratory’s forensic policies, procedures, and the preparation of reports of forensic findings; Uniformed and non-uniformed law enforcement officers in the proper collection and packaging of firearms and tool mark evidence; Graduate and undergraduate students working in the Crime Laboratory; Administrative staff in the preparation of reports pertinent to the firearms section of the Laboratory.
• Receive physical evidence; review background materials submitted with evidence and pertinent agency regulations and other relevant material.
• Examine the type of evidence received and the requirements established by laboratory, determine the general approach necessary for the effective examination of the physical evidence.
• Research established methodologies and relevant literature to determine applicable methods to be used. Provide or seek advice concerning methodology problems in the specialty area with examiners in other state, local, federal, and private agencies.
• Responsible for the oversight of staffing, automation, validation, training, quality assurance, safety and proficiency testing in the section.
• Maintain instrumentation and equipment used for the analysis of evidence; determine analytical supplies and equipment needs for the section; evaluate new instrumentation and changes in existing instrumentation; recommend repair or purchase of new instruments and/or equipment.
• Perform complex examinations of firearms and tool mark evidence utilizing bullet recovery systems, comparison microscopes, scales, calipers, cameras, and other lab equipment. Such examinations shall include examination and test firing of all types of firearms, comparison of fired projectiles and expended cartridge cases, trigger pull analysis, serial number restoration, and tool mark identifications.
• Interpret and evaluate examination results to determine their validity, scientific significance, and the evidentiary value that will provide the most information possible.
• Prepare written reports stating the results of examinations; testify, when required, as an expert on firearm and tool mark analysis.
• Direct casework among analysts and technicians assigned to the section; maintain a priority casework list; maintain the monthly performance checks on the equipment; perform periodic inventory of the ammunition supplies and maintain the firearms reference collection; update procedure and training manuals; provide supervision, training and evaluation of current and newly hired analysts and technicians in the section; assist with auditing and maintaining accreditation, including issues raised by staff and submitting agencies; and provide section reports at staff meetings.
• As a member of the Executive Management Committee, provide detailed section reports at the meetings of the committee, including recommendations for staffing, training, supplies, and equipment; report on issues related to personnel and health and safety protocols.
• Serve as the liaison between the Laboratory and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) concerning the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) database system.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in crime scene processing when requested, work with law enforcement and Laboratory personnel regarding evidence procedures.
• Communicate the importance of the examinations performed to law enforcement and Laboratory personnel, as well as to other interested individuals or groups.
• Train and supervise interns and other Laboratory personnel regarding analytical techniques used for the examination of evidence in the specialty area.
• As requested, prepare and present lectures and/or Laboratory tours demonstrating the functions of the Lab.
• Maintain routine records pertaining to the firearms section of the Laboratory; participate in periodic audits required for accreditation; prepare periodic statistics on firearms, tool mark, and related casework.

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

Requirements

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to transportation.
• Must possess and maintain documented proficiency in the specialty area of Firearms and Tool Marks as required by the current laboratory standards.
• Must attain certification in the specialty area of Firearms and Tool Marks within one year of appointment and maintain the certification.
• Must attain membership in an appropriate professional organization (e.g., Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)) within one year of appointment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years of professional experience in a forensic science laboratory OR Associate’s degree with a minimum of ten years of professional experience in a forensic science laboratory as a firearms and tool mark examiner.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the makes, models, and characteristics of domestic and foreign firearms and ammunition (including the safe operation and handling of a large variety of revolvers, pistols, shotguns & rifles).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of firearms and ammunition identification and comparison.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the equipment used to test and identify firearms and ammunition.
• Demonstrated ability to visually distinguish color, shape, size, number, and picture resolution quality.
• Demonstrated knowledge of forensic laboratory standards, such as ISO/IEC: 17025:2017.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and municipal laws governing rules of evidence and courtroom procedures.
• Must be capable of being court-qualified as a firearms and tool mark examiner in Rhode Island’s court system.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and present detailed studies and reports.
• Demonstrated presentation skills (i.e., through instructing at seminars, workshops, and in-service training programs).
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to transportation.
• Must possess and maintain documented proficiency in the specialty area of Firearms and Tool Marks as required by the current laboratory standards.
• Must attain certification in the specialty area of Firearms and Tool Marks within one year of appointment and maintain the certification.
• Must attain membership in an appropriate professional organization (e.g., Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE)) within one year of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications PREFERRED:

• Demonstrated training equivalent to the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiner’s (AFTE) Training Manual, or the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms National Firearms and Toolmark Examiner Academy (NFEA), or similar training.

Environmental Conditions

• This position is subject to inside and outside work; extreme cold and hot temperatures can be encountered. The potential exists where noise and vibrations may be encountered, and the wearing of protective ear and eye wear will be required. May be exposed to organic and inorganic chemicals related to the cleaning and operating of firearms, the restoration of metallic surfaces and low-level radioactive material. May be exposed to biological fluids and associated biological pathogens, such as COVID-19, hepatitis B and HIV viruses.

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!