Criminalist Firearms Toolmarks

Date Opened:
Friday, January 30, 2026 12:00 AMClose Date:
Sunday, March 01, 2026 12:00 AM Department:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Salary: $75,471.00 - $94,339.00 Commensurate with Experience
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** SUMMARY
* * This is a technical and advanced professional level laboratory position responsible for the processing, analyzing, comparing and evaluating of physical evidence related to firearm and toolmark identification in an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited crime laboratory.
** Major

Duties and Responsibilities:

*** Performs the examination of evidence such as firearms, ammunition, ammunition components.
* Test fires firearms for the determination of operability and the identification of malfunctions.
* Microscopically compares known fired evidence samples to evidential samples for the purpose of identification or elimination.
* Examines, evaluates, and identifies fired evidence components for the determination of type of firearm involved.
* Performs specialized tests related to firearms identification, (e.g., barrel/overall length, serial number restorations, etc.).
* Generates detailed documentation related to all examinations, performs quality assurance and conducts laboratory procedures in accordance with ANAB policies.
* Provides expert testimony relating to results of analyses; consults with and advises attorneys and other law enforcement officials in forensic matters.
* Maintains safe conditions in the laboratory.
* Provides assistance in the field to police and crime scene search personnel as needed.
* Perform related work as required.
*
* Minimum Qualifications:

*** Bachelor’s Degree or an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in a natural science, forensic science, or closely related field.
* Three (3) years of experience in firearm identification casework as a Firearm Examiner, Firearm Examiner Trainee or higher.
* Documented completion of a recognized training program performing microscopic comparisons of firearm and/or tool produced toolmarks.
*
* Preferred Qualifications:

*** Three (3) years of full-time documented experience as a Firearm Examiner in an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or ISO/IEC 17025 accredited crime laboratory.
* Documented testimony as an expert witness in firearm identification.
* Familiarity and/or training with firearm related databases such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN)
* Experience in multiple disciplines such as Firearms, Toolmarks, Serial Number Restoration, Shoe Print and/or Tire Tread Analysis.
** Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
*** Knowledge of the principles, methods, equipment, and current techniques used in forensic evidence testing including firearm identification, toolmark examination and related subjects.
* Knowledge of the methods used in collecting and preserving physical evidence, maintaining legal chain of custody and presenting such evidence in court as an expert witness.
* Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, quality assurance, accreditation, laboratory paperwork, terminology and core operations of a forensic laboratory.
* Knowledge of ANAB and ISO 17025 accreditation standards, forensic laboratory quality assurance and general laboratory safety.
* Ability to examine, identify, and analyze firearms, ammunition, their components and related materials.
* Ability to…