Topic: Firearms Examiner - The st. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

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POSITION SUMMARY:   Perform a wide variety of difficult duties to conduct forensic examinations of firearms and tool marks on crime related evidence, identify the microscopic markings left on evidence in criminal investigations and how they relate to firearms or the tools that made these markings, conducts complete scientific tests of firearms evidence using laboratory equipment, prepares documentation and reports on the results of the collection and analysis of evidence, testifies in court concerning the results of examinations, provides expert testimony on general firearms capabilities and examination methodology.  Establish procedures and protocols on types of examinations that the section will use and test new equipment and procedures to establish their scientific value.

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

Essential Functions

Identify firearms ascertain warrant information as well as the accuracy of the NCIC entry and theft check, to insure that all have been done correctly.

Examine firearms for operational capabilities and compares fired projectiles and cartridge cases.

Determines any modifications, alterations and test firearms to determine operational ability and verify that firearm operates according to manufacturer’s specifications. 

Identifies and examines bullets and shells from crime scenes and determine make and type of firearm used, conduct testing to determine distance firearm could have been fired from.

Assigns cases to firearms examiners, and maintains records of all firearms cases examined.  Insures that all firearms examiners comply with all ASCLD/LAB standards.

Must participate and successfully complete all proficiency testing required by the Department Laboratory as it relates to the Firearms/Tool-mark Section.  Must maintain technical qualifications requested for national certification by attending annual training at a forensic school and/or seminars.

Testify in court as an expert witness relative to any examinations or incidences involving firearms.

Generates and receives requests to and from other law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, attorneys, etc. in reference to criminal evidence and firearm’s examination procedures.

Maintains reports and laboratory results of examinations for investigators, prosecutors and court representatives.

Provides recommendations to the Department’s Armor in the selection of firearms used the Department.

Examine and restore obliterated serial numbers, conduct tool make examinations, conduct all forensic examinations that relate to firearm or tool mark discipline.

POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education:   
Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Physics, or a directly related science field preferred. 

Experience:   
Over 5 years as a qualified firearms examiner (2 years of training experience to qualify and 3 years working experience).  Experience in an ASCLD/LAB accredited laboratory is desirable.  Successful completion of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) training course is desirable.

To apply for this position, qualified applicants should visit our website www.slmpd.org and complete an application.

EOE