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Crime Lab Technician-Firearm Technician/NIBIN Support #2207-314900-01

Grant Funded

Date Opened
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 10:55 AM
Close Date
Wednesday, August 10, 2022 11:59 PM
Section
Police
Salary
  • $43,443.00 - 48,873.00/year
Employment Type
  • Full Time

Introduction

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is a highly respected law enforcement agency, both in our community and nationally. Our progressive department provides exciting opportunities for law enforcement professionals to develop partnerships with our citizens in order to prevent the next crime, and to enhance the quality of life within our community always treating people with fairness and respect. The department employs nearly 2,000 sworn officers and over 500 civilians serving a jurisdiction with close to 1 million people. Our employees are men and women from diverse backgrounds interested in meeting the needs of and serving an equally diverse community.  The men and women of the CMPD are committed to providing the very best service possible and maintaining the high level of confidence this community has in us.

Overview

The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 17th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 872,498 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation’s largest banks and technology companies.

Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.

Summary

The Firearm Technician is a trained technical and administrative support position assigned to the Firearm Section of the CMPD Crime Lab.  The Firearm Technician provides support for the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) program by receiving and processing firearm related evidence, which may include screening discharged cartridge cases for IBIS entry, test firing recovered firearms, entering exhibits in the NIBIN database, and reviewing correlation results. This position requires the individual to work independently, performing complex duties including some clerical, administrative, and technical assignments in a laboratory setting. This position also requires the individual to exercise considerable initiative, independent judgment, and discretion in performing tasks involving detailed procedures and using complex instrumentation.  Work is performed in accordance with ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) policies and under the general direction of the Firearm Section supervisor. This position is full time and grant funded.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

•Receives evidence transfers of firearms and related items from the Property and Evidence Division to the Firearm Section of the Crime Lab for processing.
•Maintains the workflow through the NIBIN process to include preserving an accurate chain of custody for evidence items by electronic transfer using the Property and Laboratory Information Management System (PLIMS). 
•Ensures firearms and firearms related evidence are properly packaged and that the former is unloaded according to departmental directives and laboratory procedures. 
•Screens evidence discharged cartridge cases for suitability and best representative sample for entry into the NIBIN database.
•Swabs appropriate areas of firearms and retains swabs for future DNA testing.  Properly documents the swabs as items of evidence in PLIMS.
•Documents pertinent firearm information in PLIMS.
•Test-fires firearms approved by the ATF for entry in the NIBIN database as necessary.  Properly documents the test-fired cartridges as items of evidence in PLIMS.  
•Consults with Firearm Examiners in instances where the safety of the firearm is in question or if there are other concerns about the evidence.
•Acquires images of discharged cartridge cases using the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) equipment following documented procedures. 
•Enters all required case information and evidence identifiers into the NIBIN database.
•Correlates results of NIBIN database searches for possible associations.
•Reports database associations to the appropriate Firearm Examiner for approval to disseminate using the investigative lead process.
•Maintains safe conditions in the laboratory and conducts laboratory procedures in accordance with ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) standards.
•Completes other duties that will support the NIBIN process.
•Performs other duties assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, methods, equipment, and current techniques used in Ballistics testing.
• Knowledge of methods used in collecting and preserving physical evidence, maintaining legal chain of custody.
• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance.
• Ability to formulate and present ideas in an effective manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with detectives and attorneys.
• Ability to follow oral and written procedures and policies and the ability to read and comprehend authoritative directives, laws, and ordinances.
•Must be highly computer literate with very strong organizational skills.
•Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
•May be required to work non-standard hours with minimal supervision.

ADA and Other Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require: grasping, stooping, squatting, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Physical Requirements:
• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Occasional movement throughout the workday daily to interact with staff and accomplish tasks
• Communicating both verbally and written in order to exchange information
• Repeating motions of holding, grasping, turning, that may include the wrist,   hands, and/or fingers
• Light to moderate lifting and carrying
• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Work primarily in office environment
• Ability to operate office equipment, such as computer, copier, fax machine, and phone

Sensory Requirements:
• Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proof reading, data entry, tabulating data
• Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain
• Comprehension of written information in work related documents
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions; moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as officers, community members, victims, etc.); and frequent exposure to computer screens, files and phone. Diligent use of PPEs Personal Protective Equipment) to limit exposure to bloodborne pathogens is required
 


Preferred Qualification

•Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field with previous laboratory experience. 
•Knowledge of firearms of various types and prior experience handling firearms.
•Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance.

Minimum Qualifications

•High School Diploma or equivalent with three (3) years of laboratory experience 
or  
•Associate Degree in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field with one (1) year of related experience.
•Must successfully complete ATF approved training for the triage, acquisition and correlation of fired evidence exhibits using the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS) within six months of hire. 
•Must submit to a mandatory criminal background check to ensure compliance with ATF’s NIBIN Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) technology MOU security requirements. 

Conditions of Employment

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How To Apply

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

Benefits

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

In Conclusion

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