Firearms and Toolmarks Examiner (SOG/ST 6)

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Chief Forensic Firearms and Toolmarks Examiner, the incumbent assists with conducting forensic testing and examinations on a variety of exhibits related to firearms and tool mark identification in support of criminal and other investigations; maintains assigned laboratory instruments to ensure their effective operation, and to participate in forensic research, as directed. 

Key Responsibilities

Technical/Professional: 

• Conducts forensic testing and examinations of a variety of case-related items and samples e.g. firearms, ammunition and their components; 
• Examines case material using a variety of microscopes to conduct preliminary examinations; 
• Collects submitted parcels, assigns FL# and document in master book and team book; 
• Scribes FL # and Letter on exhibits submitted by escorts; 
• Acquires and assesses digital images and data in the IBIS; 
• Provides liaison with clientele of the Institute, and assists with various types of examinations; 
• Examines possible hits presented by IBIS machines, to identify possible hits to be confirmed by senior staff; 
• Logs and maintains firearm receival and distribution; 
• Enters data into ATF to effect tracing of weapons; 
• Ensures safe custody of all firearm and ammunition entering and leaving the vault; 
• Documents and processes incoming and outgoing case materials; 
• Prepares work area for examinations and logs results; 
• Generates and collects test results to be presented for further analysis; 
• Issues certificates and exhibits to customers; 
• Conducts preliminary examinations on submitted case related materials; 
• Provides testimony in a court of law, when required, regarding laboratory procedures, methods and protocols; 
• Responds to telephone requests, e.g. checking of status of ballistics certificate, etc. 
• Participates in the validation, calibration and maintenance of new instruments; 
• Pairs confirmation of IBIS hits; 
• Submits case related items in E-Trace system to acquire origins for weapons related to illegal possession and murder; 
• Conducts Direct Part Marking (DPM) with Dot Peen machine for GoJ owned weapons; 
• Carries out armourer duties (disassembling and reassembling of firearms) to conduct examination; 
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned by the Director from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Technical: 

• Good knowledge of exhibit record keeping 
• Expert knowledge of firearms and ammunition and their mechanisms;
• Ability to disassemble and reassemble firearms mechanisms and an understanding of how moving parts interact with each other 
• Technical report writing skills 
• A safety conscious attitude in the handling of firearms 
• Honest and unbiased, despite the pressures of being examined by lawyers each of whom wishes to present a single side of the case. Articulating clearly the complexities of technical procedures. 
• Expert knowledge of ballistics record keeping 
• Expert knowledge of standard operating procedures; firearm and ammunition testing/handling, laboratory equipment and crime scene investigation 
• Advance knowledge of computerized forensic databases and familiarity with document creation software programmes 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science or biology/physics/biochemistry or closely related natural science; 
• One (1) year working experience handling firearms; 
• Exposure to law enforcement/security environment would be a plus. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Handling of firearms and ammunition; 
• Might be required to report for duty on short notice during important cases or upon the discovery of a new crime scene; 
• Travelling to crime scenes to collect evidence.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.