Firearms Examiner

Fulltime, Permanent, Safety Sensitive Firearms Examiner

The Anne Arundel County Police Department is committed to the pursuit of excellence. This posting will be used to fill a Fulltime, Permanent, Safety Sensitive Firearms Examiner position within the Anne Arundel County Police Department. It is professional and technical work in the forensic examination areas of firearms, toolmark and fracture identification, serial number restoration, and gunshot residue/distance analysis for the Police Department. The position serves as a court qualified expert witness in the field of firearms and toolmark examination.

An employee in this classification works in a forensic laboratory setting and is responsible for conducting examinations using validated forensic techniques related to firearms and toolmarks, including precise and accurate microscopic comparative examinations; testing of firearms for proper function and safety; classification identification of firearms based on fired projectiles, restoration of obliterated serial numbers; and utilization of a national ballistic evidence data base. An employee in this classification performs work under general supervision with considerable independence within established policies, regulations, and technical guidelines for firearms examinations. The employees workplace will be located at the new Anne Arundel County Forensic Services Laboratory.

Conduct forensic examinations in the areas of firearms, toolmarks, serial number restoration, gunshot residue/distance analysis, and fracture identification, to include chemical examination. Work is performed with independence, but within the established policies and procedures set forth by the Maryland Department of Health and ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) ISO 17025 for the Firearms Examiner discipline. Enter and analyze computer data to include the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). Conduct forensic image analysis. Testify in court as an expert witness. Assist other forensic units, prosecutors, and allied agencies. Perform related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, general orders, principles and practices governing firearms and tool mark examination. Considerable knowledge of rules governing the admissibility of firearms evidence in courts. Considerable knowledge of different firearms and ammunition. Considerable knowledge of standard techniques utilized to classify and identify firearms. Considerable knowledge of standard techniques utilized to conduct microscopic comparisons of firearms and toolmark related evidence. Considerable knowledge and understanding of photographic techniques applicable to firearms, toolmark and fracture identification. Knowledge of proper format for departmental correspondence. Skilled in the operation laboratory equipment, especially microscopes. Ability to handle firearms in a safe and responsible manner. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to testify in court as an expert witness. Ability to conduct forensic examinations of firearms and to follow detailed instructions. Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain working relationships with county officials, law enforcement officials, employees, contractors, and the public.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in biological or physical science; two (2) or more years of experience in criminal justice; law enforcement or a related field. Completion of a training program providing original certification by the Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) as a firearms and toolmark examiner; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license. NOTE: The bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in biological or physical science may be substituted with a bachelor's degree with major coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field. NOTES: This is a Safety-Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.

Preference will be given to applicants with the following: 1.) Experience providing expert witness testimony in court. 2.) Experience working a primary examiner conducting examinations of firearms, cartridge cases, bullets and related evidence in an accredited agency. 3.) Experience using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. 4.) Experience utilizing a comparison microscope in examining bullets and fired cartridge cases.