Criminalist III/Sr. Criminalist (A) - Firearms and Toolmarks

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Long-term disability

Life insurance

PTO – vacation leave

Sick leave

Holidays (13)

Job summary

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) seeks a Criminalist in the Forensic Services - Firearms and Toolmarks Department. You will conduct firearm and toolmark identifications, perform microscopic comparisons, and prepare cases for court with testimony when needed.

Maintain proficiency with instrumentation, stay updated on techniques, and ensure compliance with accreditation standards. A Class III commissioned officer status may be required by SCCJA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Six (6) years of experience in a forensic laboratory performing firearms and toolmarks examinations.
• Must have previously qualified and testified as an expert in a court of law in Firearms Identification.
• Must possess knowledge of equipment and procedures for firearms examination and related evidence.
• Must have completed or be capable of completing NIBIN acquisition and correlation training.

Responsibilities

• Conduct examinations and prepare reports on firearm and toolmark identifications with accuracy and timeliness.
• Perform microscopic comparisons using a comparison microscope to determine firearm source or toolmark origin.
• Prepare cases for court and provide expert testimony in federal, state, and local courts.
• Attend specialized training to stay current with new techniques and maintain Class III commissioned status as required.

Skills

Firearm Identification

Toolmark Identification

Court Testimony

NIBIN Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microscopes

NIBIN Equipment

Job description

Job Responsibilities

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is searching to fill a Criminalist position in our Forensic Services - Firearms and Toolmarks Department.

About SLED

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is a premier statewide law enforcement agency dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of South Carolina. With a proud history rooted in integrity, professionalism, and public service, SLED is committed to providing high-quality investigative, intelligence, and forensic services to support law enforcement agencies across the state.

General Responsibility

Conduct examinations in Firearm Identification and in other related areas. Maintain proficiency in the use of the instruments and tools necessary to conduct these examinations. Demonstrate professionalism and willingness to work with supervisors, criminalists, support personnel, and the judicial system. Prepare cases for court and testify as needed regarding the results of analysis.

Specific Duties

• Conduct examinations and prepare reports as related to firearm and toolmark identification and related areas in an accurate and timely manner. Perform microscopic comparisons utilizing a comparison microscope to determine if a fired ammunition component such as a bullet, cartridge case, shotshell, etc., was fired by a specific firearm or if a tool mark was produced by a specific tool. Perform general rifling characteristics examinations, serial number restoration, trigger pull weight determination, firearm function, barrel and overall length measurement, and entry and correlation review for specimens into NIBIN.
• Perform technical and administrative reviews of case records and formal reports for other examiners in an accurate and timely manner. Maintain equipment and perform monthly calibration verification as needed. Ensure work is in compliance with all accreditation standards and quality control procedures.
• Prepare cases for court and provide effective expert testimony in Firearm and Toolmark Identification in federal, state, and local courts. Prepare for and attend pre-trial conferences when requested. Effectively interact with other departmental personnel, agency personnel, and other members of the legal community.
• Attend specialized training and acquire knowledge in order to remain abreast of the latest technological advancements and techniques utilized in firearm and toolmark identification. Identify new training opportunities. Disseminate information from training events to fellow examiners in a timely manner and provide training, as requested. Maintain certification as a commissioned law enforcement officer (Class III) as required by the SCCJA.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Six (6) years of experience in a forensic laboratory performing firearms and toolmarks examinations.
• Must be previously qualified and testified as an expert in a court of law in the field of Firearms Identification.
• Must be able to present results in court in a professional, courteous, and concise manner.
• Must possess a complete knowledge of the equipment and procedures involved in the examination of firearms and related evidence with the ability to competently perform firearm identification related casework.
• Must have successfully completed, or be capable of completing, National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) acquisition and correlation training.
• Must have knowledge of law enforcement practices, procedures, and the ability to meet all of the requirements of a certified law enforcement officer (Class III) commissioned by the state of South Carolina.
• Overnight travel may be required.
• Must be available for a rotational 24-hour on call status.
• Must be able to fire all types of firearms encountered, including lifting items up to 40 pounds.
• Vision must be sufficient to utilize microscopes and other devices for examination, evaluation, and comparison of markings.

Additional Comments

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification.

Conditional selection based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.