Topic: Education Question.

[Paul Laraway]

I have a quick question for the community.
I am interested in Firearms & Toolmark ID.
I also enjoy gunsmithing, machining and various other metal related hobbies.

I wanted to know if my current degree plan would allow me to pursue this career path if I choose it.

I am working toward a BS in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Physics. I am also enrolling in Army ROTC this fall with the plan to enlist and go active duty with the Army upon graduation.

Would an education like this allow me to obtain an entry level position as a trainee after I leave the Army?

[Bob Hart]

Here are the AFTE requirements for certification.  You will find that most labs ask for similar.  I would also look at the entry qualifications listed by ASCLAD for lab certification.

c. Applicants will be required to possess an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited academic institution with major course work in physical science, natural science, forensic science, criminalistics, criminal justice, police science, industrial technology or related fields of study (this requirement will not apply to applicants for recertification if they were certified prior to this restriction taking effect).

A BS or equivalent 4-year degree from a college or university.

Good Luck

[Bill Wheatley]

Here is SWGGUN recommendations for entry and experienced level examiners:

SWGGUN Minimum Qualifications (Entry Level)
 
 
1.0  Recommended Education Requirements for Entry Level Firearm and Toolmark
  Examiner Trainees

  The objective of the following guidelines is to identify the education requirements for
  an entry level trainee position

1.1  Bachelor’s degree in a natural/physical science based field of study from an accredited academic institution.

2.0  Personal Background Recommendations

2.1  No felony convictions

2.2  Employment drug screen

2.3  Background investigation
 

Approved: 04/20/06


SWGGUN Minimum Qualifications (Experienced Level)
 

1.0  Recommended Education/Experience Requirements for Experienced Level Firearm and Toolmark Examiners

The objective of the following guidelines is to identify the education and/or experience requirements for an experienced level, firearm and/or toolmark examiner’s position

1.1   Bachelor’s degree in a natural/physical science from an accredited academic institution, successful completion from a training program and two years of firearm/toolmark casework experience (which may include time from the training program).

Or

1.2   In lieu of an academic degree, the hiring agency will use other experience equivalencies, at their discretion, to measure the candidate’s firearm/toolmark casework experience (this can include the time spent during the training program)

And

1.3  The examiner to be hired must demonstrate competency in firearm/toolmark
  casework; this will be measured by the hiring agency.

2.0   Personal Background Recommendations

        2.1   No felony convictions

        2.2   Employment drug screen

        2.3   Background investigation

 

[Bill Wheatley]

Paul,

Here is a link to the American Academy of Forensic Sciences which lists colleges and universities that offer forensic science programs.


http://www.aafs.org/default.asp?section_id=resources&page_id=colleges_and_universities

Good luck

[Angel Moses]

Hi Paul,

Here in Vegas, we specifically requested that Mechanical Engineering and Physics be listed as acceptable degrees for our unit. 

Good luck to you.

[Paul Laraway]

Thank you all for your feedback. It is nice to have such a wealth of information and support here.

Everyone has been extremely helpful and I can't thank you enough.

Richard, The DPS Crime Lab sounds like a workable visit but I will have to schedule something around summer classes. I think I get a week off before fall classes begin.

Angel, I am glad to hear the MechEng & Physics are getting the same love that Chemistry & Biology get.

Bob & Bill, Thank you for the requirements. I am looking into ASCLAD lab requirements now.

As for the no felony, criminal background, pee in this cup tests, they are no problem. I had background checks for my concealed handgun license, my CDL license, etc. Besides, the Army is going to do a background check for any MOS that requires a security clearance.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

Sincerely,
Paul