Forensic Scientist - Firearms

Position Summary

The purpose and mission of the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency is to serve the Marion County Community and supports the needs of the Criminal Justice System by providing services in Crime Scene Processing, Forensic Document Examinations, Latent Print Processing and Examination, Blood Alcohol Analysis, Fire Debris Analysis, Seized Drugs Analysis, Firearms Examinations and NIBIN, DNA and Serology Analysis and Forensic Evidence Technician (Morgue Liaison) services. The agency cultivates a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Job Summary

Position is responsible for providing scientific analysis of criminal evidence to include expert court testimony; assists in developing and implementing scientific programs and training requirements; confers with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate work activities. Compiles statistical data and ensures that total work product meets all appropriate scientific and legal requirements. Acts as Forensic Scientist Supervisor - Firearms/Assistant Supervisor - Firearms, when required, in the absence of either. The Forensic Scientist Firearms is guided in judgment by Laboratory Policy and Standard Operating Procedures and all tenets of applicable law. Overall laboratory operation and safety procedures, proper reporting of accidents, and the ability to learn new skills to accommodate changes in techniques. The Forensic Scientist - Firearms will be held to the highest standard by senior management for independent judgments rendered when faced with a situation where a decision is needed, and there are no clearcut standard operating procedures or laws. Position reports to the Forensic Scientist Supervisor - Firearms. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer . All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for performing a wide variety of fully skilled professional scientific analysis on criminal evidence to include the examination, comparison, evaluation and result determinations of physical evidence upon completion of specific forensic training minimum 12-months and maximum 24-months
• Ammunition examination, barrel and overall length measurement of firearms, firearms examination/function testing, microscopic comparative examination of fired evidence, National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) entry and review, product determination, serial number restoration, trigger pull measurement, and verification of other Forensic Scientists - Firearms results
• Prepares formal technical written reports on the results of examinations, statistical analysis, and research projects
• Ensures that appropriate quality assurance and quality control methodologies are employed throughout their section of the laboratory
• Serves as an expert and is responsible for providing technical consultation, advice to scientific personnel, conducting tours, briefs, training and provides expert testimony in court
• Participates in improvement measures for laboratory analysis with the Supervisor to develop technical guidance for analyses within the laboratory section to include quality assurance and quality control
• Implements newly developed forensic technologies (NIBIN), programs, methods, and procedures
• Evaluates and reviews statistical data to ensure compliance with appropriate scientific, legal and government regulations
• Recommends modification of current practices and requirements for operation of the section
• Demonstrates proficiency in the techniques, instrumentation, and technology taught via various training/examinations in specialty areas and provides input to Forensic Scientist Supervisor - Firearms for the section’s operational and training planning process
• Acts as Forensic Scientist Supervisor/Assistant Supervisor - Firearms when required in their absence
• Serves as liaison between Director, IMCFSA and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and personnel IMPD, MCSO, MCPO, MCCO, FBI, ATF, DEA, courts, etc. to ensure that scientific and administrative support is provided
• Conducts training for local agencies to include basic evidence technical courses and specialized forensic applications courses
• Attend seminars, meetings, and conferences to incorporate new developments into laboratory case work
• Presents results of laboratory research at conferences and/or publish the results in scientific journals
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time
  
  

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or related science courses. Must complete specific forensic training equivalent to the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiner’s (AFTE) Training Manual, the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms National Firearms and Toolmark Examiner Academy (NFEA) or training of similar structure at another laboratory ranging from 12-months to 24-months. Incumbent shall maintain proficiency through annual proficiency testing. Incumbent must be willing and capable of completing additional internal/external training determined by the Forensic Scientist Supervisor - Firearms and the Quality Assurance Program, and capable of completing specialized training, as required or available, from Federal, State, Local agencies and other organizations. Must have the ability to make detailed notes describing evidence received; processes used; and triaging requests for forensic analysis. Must have knowledge of the criminal justice system and familiarity with the sensitive and confidential nature of evidence managing and examination. Must be able to establish and set priorities according to time sensitive information in order to have continued success in this position. Must be able to communicate effectively in oral, verbal, and written formats.

Preferred Job Requirements And Qualifications

Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or related science courses, including minimum qualification listed.