Job Description
NABIS are recruiting qualified Ballistic Experts to join our established team in Birmingham. As part of a Forensic Ballistic team you will be examining firearms and ballistic material using a range of techniques to identify intelligence opportunities, including comparison of ammunition and firearms to identify linked series and produce forensic intelligence reports.
Key Responsibilities
* To examine firearms, ammunition and ballistic related items in line with NABIS Standard Operating Procedures
* To provide expert ballistics knowledge in the delivery of products and services by using tool mark comparison systems, microscopy and IBIS technologies, together with firearms legislation.
* To support, contribute to and comply with quality processes in line with ISO17025 and the FSR Codes of Practice
* To ensure safe working practices within the NABIS Hub, taking into consideration Health and Safety guidelines, compliance with safe working practices and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures.
* Responsible for making safe firearms submitted to the Unit to prevent accidental discharges.
* Undertake responsibility for safety, certification and storage of all firearms and associated exhibits / documentation submitted to NABIS.
* Undertake evidential test-firing of firearms for classification and ballistic comparison. Additionally, undertake the classification of all types of firearms and ammunition whilst preserving forensic evidence including DNA, fingerprints and fibres.
* Responsible for the efficient and effective use of IBIS technologies. Realising early investigative opportunities and maintaining a high-quality database including the examination and photography of firearms and ammunition for identifying marks and modifications.
* Attend court in the capacity of a Ballistics Expert and present evidence as required including the production of expert witness statements.
* Responsible for monitoring the storage, movement and destruction of firearms within a NABIS hub to ensure compliance with national protocols.
* Required to keep up to date and monitor the firearms industry to anticipate crime trends and to monitor criminal firearms use for national policy recommendations.
* Continually develop forensic best practice in the NABIS services and liaise with firearm experts from forces, other agencies and defence experts as required. Keep up-to-date on technical developments by attending meetings, seminars, exhibitions (both in the UK and abroad) and reading technical/trade journals.
* To participate in research projects within the laboratory and in liaison with partner agencies and academic institutions to develop forensic ballistic techniques and interpretation as part of a commitment to continuous improvement.
* Participate in stakeholder liaison meetings with customers, suppliers and national sponsors and deliver firearms lectures and training sessions for a range of roles.
* To ensure adherence to relevant NABIS procedures in relation to Information management by ensuring appropriate processes are in place.
* To undertake supervision and mentoring of Apprentice Ballistic Experts providing knowledge, advice and expert guidance.
* To attend scenes in an advisory capacity providing expert support and guidance as required.
* To ensure compliance with statutory requirements in relation to information management including the Data Protection Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Code of Practice on Management of Police Information as appropriate.
Essential Qualifications/Skills
* Completed a recognised ‘Expert witness course’ in firearms and have court experience.
* Extensive work experience with a leading forensic organisation or as an independent expert consultant or having successfully completed the NABIS training programme as a NABIS Senior Technician or passed the Senior Technician to Expert qualifying assessment.
* Extensive working knowledge and experience of working with firearms and ammunition.
* Experienced and trained in the use of IBIS technologies or similar systems.
* Experience of safe handling of firearms and disassembly and reloading of ammunition.
* Experience in the use of evidential photography.
Benefits
* Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
* Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
* Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.
* A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs.
West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader – the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. All candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview under our Disability Confident Interview Scheme.
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