Topic: Experienced Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner, South Carolina

[Terri Gleason]

Position:  Experienced/Court-Qualified Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner
Salary:  $50,000 - $75,000 (Salary is commensurate with experience)
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Opening Date: 6/21/2017
Closing Date: 7/7/2017

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) is seeking a qualified individual to fill one Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner vacancy within the Forensic Sciences Laboratory.  The laboratory has been ASCLD/LAB-International accredited since 2008.

Minimum experience for this position is one year of post-training experience conducting forensic examinations of firearms related evidence as a firearm and tool mark examiner.  Preference will be given to applicants with the following:

• Training through a program structured on the AFTE Training Manual.
• Case related experience in serial number restoration, muzzle to target distance determination, and tool mark examinations.
• ASCLD-LAB International accreditation experience.

Applicants should have no physical limitations that would prevent the completion of the tasks delineated below.  Applicants must complete a Richland County Sheriff’s Department pre-employment background check, including drug screening and polygraph.

Job duties will include (but may not be limited to) the following: 

• Identification, characterization, and/or comparisons of firearm and tool mark evidence to include firearms, fired bullets/projectiles, fired cartridge cases, unfired ammunition, tools, tool-marked items, and clothing using physical, visual, microscopic, and chemical methods as described in the laboratory protocol(s).
• Interpretation of results of these examinations and preparation of formal written reports.
  
• Expert witness testimony in federal, state and local courts to present results of examinations.
• Conduct or participate in training sessions, professional organizations, and seminars as requested for new employee training, employee continuing education, and community events.
• Periodic 24-hour on-call for firearm and/or tool mark related issues to include crime scene response.
• Other departmental duties to include research, validation, quality control, quality assurance, safety, training, proficiency testing, and other responsibilities as directed by the departmental supervisor.

Benefits include the following:

• Position qualifies for S.C. Police Officer Retirement System (PORS) benefits.
• A county issued vehicle (take home).
• Free gym membership (MUV Fitness).
• Health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents.

Due to pending retirement that has not been "finalized", the position start date is flexible, with a start date between December 2017 and February 2018 being preferred.  This is negotiable based on the needs of the applicant and the Department.

Additional Information
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department employs over 700 sworn deputies.
(See us weekly on “Live PD” on A&E)
The RCSD Firearm and Tool Mark Section was established in 2002 and is currently staffed by three firearm and tool mark examiners and one NIBIN technician.
The Section completes (on average) 500-600 cases per year, including NIBIN-only firearm testing.  The annual homicide rate fluctuates between 20 and 30.
The Section does not have an in-house IBIS terminal and sends specimens to the state lab for NIBIN entry.
In the near future, the Department is planning to relocate the Forensic Sciences Laboratory into a new structure.
Columbia is a growing community with competitive housing costs, great weather, and is an ideal location for quick getaways to the beach or the mountains. 

Interested applicants should send their curriculum vitae or statement of qualifications to Terri Cypher (Technical Leader) at tgleason@rcsd.net


http://www.rcsd.net/