CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
6C05
FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION TECHNICIAN
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is limited scope ballistics identification work in support of criminal investigations in the Police Department's Firearms Unit. An employee in this class utilizes computerized ballistic identification systems to examine physical evidence associated with firearms investigations. A significant aspect of this work is the ability to recognize patterns and accurately make determinations based upon matching microscopic marks. Work includes the use of computerized forensic identification systems to perform database searches. An employee in this class may be required to perform shift-work. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical firearms superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
- Positions must perform specialized ballistics pattern recognition work.
- Positions must be located in the Police Department.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
- Receives instruction on the use of integrated ballistics identification systems; develops and exercises expertise.
- Visually recognizes and determines accurately correlated microscopic marks.
- Receives and transports evidence.
- Handles, operates and test fires weapons; identifies distinguishing characteristics of firearms and ammunition.
- Utilizes the comparison microscope to identify patterns.
- Take photographs of ammunition employing photomicrographic techniques.
- Testifies in court.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- basic computer applications.
SKILL IN:
ABILITY TO:
- learn how to handle and operate firearms and ammunition.
- learn the makes, models, and characteristics of domestic and foreign firearms and ammunition.
- learn the laboratory techniques used in the performance of microscopic examinations as they pertain to firearms and ammunition.
- learn the principles, practices, materials and equipment used in the ballistic systems.
- the use of automated identification systems required for work assigned.
- consistently make accurate positive identification.
- distinguish fine detail.
- safely handle and fire a variety of firearms.
- communicate effectively.
- understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- testify effectively in court.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, police officers and other law enforcement personnel.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 01/04.)
EDUCATION
- Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
- Two years of experience providing support services within a law enforcement agency which has involved the use of computer software to retrieve information.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of
a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
- Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Firearms Identification Technician, if required by work assignment.
PAY RANGE: 9
Class Established:
CSC: 05/03, Ad Board: 01/04
PMc/lds/sb
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 6C05