Firearms Examiner

About the role

The Anne Arundel County Police Department seeks a Fulltime, Permanent, Safety Sensitive Firearms Examiner. This position serves as a court qualified expert witness in the field of firearms and toolmark examination.

Responsibilities

• Conduct forensic examinations in the areas of firearms, toolmarks, serial number restoration, gunshot residue/distance analysis, and fracture identification.
• Enter and analyze computer data to include the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).
• Conduct forensic image analysis.
• Testify in court as an expert witness.
• Aid other forensic units, prosecutors, and allied agencies.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in biological or physical science; or a bachelor's degree with major coursework in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field.
• Completion of a training program providing original certification by the Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) as a firearms and toolmark examiner.
• A valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, general orders, principles and practices governing firearms and tool mark examination.
• Considerable knowledge of rules governing the admissibility of firearms evidence in courts.
• Considerable knowledge of different firearms and ammunition.
• Considerable knowledge of standard techniques utilized to classify and identify firearms.
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of photographic techniques applicable to firearms, toolmark and fracture identification.
• Knowledge of proper format for departmental correspondence.
• Skilled in the operation laboratory equipment, especially microscopes.
• Ability to handle firearms in a safe and responsible manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to testify in court as an expert witness.
• Ability to conduct forensic examinations of firearms and to follow detailed instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain working relationships with county officials, law enforcement officials, employees, contractors, and the public.

Skills

• Ability to conduct forensic examinations of firearms and to follow detailed instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain working relationships with county officials, law enforcement officials, employees, contractors, and the public.

Benefits

The Anne Arundel County Police Department offers competitive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Pay

The starting minimum salary for this position is $70,681 annually, which will increase to $77,818 annually on July 1, 2026. The salary range reflects the offer range for this position.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is full-time and permanent.