Topic: Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner with the J.P.S.O. Crime Laboratory

[Tim Scanlan]

POSITION: Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner

LOCATION: Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory is currently accepting applications for the position of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiner.  The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is a progressive law enforcement agency, having jurisdiction over the most populous parish in Louisiana.  The Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to the advancement of forensic science and places a strong emphasis on its Crime Laboratory and Crime Scene Division.  In fact, the Sheriff’s Office recently opened a state of the art Crime Laboratory facility.  This 45,000 facility will not only serve the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the municipalities located within the parish, but will also provide analysis for many other agencies in the surrounding area. Services currently offered by the Crime Lab include Forensic Identification (latent print processing and comparison, bloodstain pattern interpretation, firearms, tool marks, footwear, tire track and other impression evidence), Forensic Chemistry (controlled substance analysis and fire debris analysis), and Forensic Biology (DNA analysis and serology).

QUALIFICATIONS:  The applicant must meet, at a minimum, the following requirements:
•   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Biology, Chemistry, or other Forensic Science related area
•   At least three years of experience in Forensic Firearm and Tool Mark casework is required.
•   Must have previously qualified as an expert in the field of Firearm and Tool Mark examination in a court of law within the United States of America
•   Must have successful completed a proficiency test in the field of Firearm and Tool Mark Examination
•   Be able to communicate effectively (orally and in writing)
•   Satisfactory completion of a JPSO background investigation (including criminal, credit and driver’s history checks), polygraph examination, fingerprinting and drug screening

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
•   Examining and comparing evidence related items in the form of bullets, cartridge cases, and other ammunition components
•   Perform caliber and general rifling characteristics determinations on bullets
•   Test for firearm function and safe operations
•   Perform tool mark comparisons
•   Restore obliterated serial numbers
•   Download ammunition and test fire a variety of firearms
•   Enter and correlate cases in the IBIS system  
•   Respond to crime scenes and subsequently assist in the processing of those scenes
•   Collecting and/or transporting evidence
•   Preparing scientific reports and visual aids
•   Utilize computer applications as they relate to laboratory procedures
•   Testifying in courts of law
•   Work under the direct supervision of a higher level forensic scientist or supervisor
•   Maintain required ISO 17025 and ASCLD/LAB accreditation requirements
•   Successful completion of the competency and proficiency program


SALARY AND BENEFITS:
The salary is negotiable and based on experience and qualifications.  An extensive benefits package accompanies the position and includes the following:
•   Paid health insurance
•   Unmarked departmental vehicle for which gasoline, maintenance costs and insurance are provided
•   Short-term disability policy
•   Competitive pension plan
•   Longevity pay increases per year for first ten years
•   Paid annual and sick time


HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must contact Col. Scanlan before November 30, 2010 to be considered for the position.

Col. Timothy P. Scanlan, M.S.F.S.
Crime Laboratory Director
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
scanlan_tp@jpso.com
(504) 832-2320