Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide scientific direction, guidance and expertise to design, research, develop, modify and direct and carry out the application of analytical systems used for conducting forensic testing of all types of firearms, ammunition, propellants tools and their markings seized during criminal and other
investigations.
To act as a technical resource and scientific authority within and for the ministry. To provide testimony as an expert witness in all levels of courts of law, coroners' inquests and other official tribunals such as Provincial inquiries, public commissions, medical boards of inquiry and other official hearings.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Providing objective, independent scientific expertise by participating as a scientific advisor in assigned cases during the investigative stage of police and other official investigations; assisting in directing the course of the investigation by providing expert opinion or investigative test results which may
alter or re-focus the direction of an investigation; attending at scenes of crime and autopsies in order to provide expert opinion; reviewing the work or testimony of other experts and advising as to its validity and relevance.
2. Examining and analyzing evidential material submitted during the course of police, fire marshal, coroner and other investigations in support of the criminal justice system; determining the priority of items to be analyzed and the type of analysis required; drawing conclusions form scientific analysis and documenting process and results.
3. Conducting basic chemical analyses for gunpowder or other residues on clothing or skin to determine such factors as proximity of muzzle, etc.
4. Comparing and matching items with previously known material in order to assist with the examination and to make possible linkages with specific firearms/tools or to cross-reference with other
evidence.
5. Test firing firearms in order to obtain comparison material to duplicate characteristics found at the crime scene, to test for muzzle proximity, or to measure muzzle velocity with a chronograph etc.6. Providing information and training on the application of forensic science to clients including police officers, crown attorneys, defence lawyers, coroners, pathologists, fire investigation officials, and others in the proper collection and preservation of evidential materials and in understanding the parameters of scientific test results.
7. Acting as an expert, by speaking or testifying at internal and public meetings; providing testimony as an expert witness in all levels of court and in other public forums.
8. Conducting, planning and coordinating research and development of analytical systems in a forensic science laboratory from original concept through final delivery. Designing and
implementing new technologies and reviewing new or innovative methods in conducting forensic examinations and analyses in support of investigations, e.g. new laboratory instrumentation, new methods of testing, new applications of known procedures from other scientific fields and the
application of new scientific knowledge based on own or others' research.
9. Preparing reports for publication and providing peer review for submissions
to international journals, presenting findings at national/international conferences, and discussing scientific findings in the area of forensic science and their impact on the justice system.
10. Participating in the laboratory accreditation process by ensuring that requirements are met for the maintenance of the laboratory accreditation standards by providing peer review of cases of other scientists, by demonstrating, through an annual external testing process, personal excellence in carrying out scientific analysis, research and interpretation and by participating in the development of laboratory
procedural, safety and training manuals.
11. Providing project management and group leadership in assigned cases by acting as scientific resource to
other scientists and technologists, assigning and monitoring case work, setting priorities, ensuring project deadlines are met, providing liaison with clients in the criminal justice system, and by ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety requirements that apply to the work; providing input to the performance appraisal of technologists.

Staffing and Licencing :

An honours BSc. degree or its equivalent in one of the physical, life or forensic sciences.

Knowledge :

Extensive knowledge is required of all types and calibre of firearms, their specifications, mechanical characteristics and properties and of the ammunition used, in order to be able to conduct extensive examinations. Extensive knowledge is also required of the characteristics and properties of
tools and of the markings they create. Knowledge is required of the methods of manufacture used to produce firearms, ammunition and tools, their place of origin and purchase, to assist with examinations. Knowledge of the safe handling and use of firearms is required. Knowledge of current forensic and other scientific theories, advancements, research practices, techniques, precedents and issues directly related to area of expertise as well as related scientific areas in order to provide scientific direction, guidance and expertise by accepting evidential material to be examined, conducting intensive examinations and thorough testing of samples, by conducting research and drawing conclusions based on investigations and by providing expert opinion and advice; and in order to develop new analytical systems for use in conducting tests in a forensic laboratory by investigating existing analytical systems and research methodologies and developing new methods or modifying existing methods and by developing and conducting original scientific research where there are no precedents.
Knowledge of advanced scientific research methodology in order to design, construct, operate,
evaluate and modify laboratory analytical systems by determining the testing methodology required, assessing existing systems, designing alterations or new analytical systems for carrying out required research and investigations, making procedural or equipment modifications and providing training in
new methodologies for technologists and other scientists.
Knowledge relevant to forensic science including scientific limitations, scene of crime and autopsy practices and protocol, legal issues such as the latest local, national or international landmark case decisions having impact on Canadian law in order to provide expert advice during a criminal investigation and accurate and precise testimony in a court of law or coroner's inquest by developing scientific opinion through research and analysis, determining the relevance to the case or investigation, and by preparing reports based on findings.
Knowledge of relevant forensic laboratory standards in order to ensure compliance with quality assurance requirements and to ensure that the Ministry maintains scientific expertise by applying state of the art standards and testing protocols and providing expert forensic science services to clients in the
Ontario Justice System. Knowledge of project management techniques in order to manage a heavy workload of complex cases, court appearances, lecturing, teaching and training by determining priorities, assigning and delegating tasks to others, doing appropriate documentation of progress of cases involving hundreds of samples and testing procedures and by ensuring accountability of actions taken.
Knowledge of hardware and software applications and scientific data base management and analysis techniques in order to evaluate data, to interpret results and to prepare reports on
findings. Knowledge of the rules of evidence in order to fulfill the requirements of a court of law by complying with procedures for the handling of evidential materials, maintaining continuity procedures, working under the close scrutiny of a defence or court appointed observer and by providing expert testimony as required related to scientific findings.
Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations that apply to the work
and knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health and safety in the workplace to ensure compliance when performing group leadership responsibilities.

Skills :

Skills in conducting forensic firearms and toolmarks examinations including use of comparison microscopes to compare class and individual characteristics of bullets, cartridge cases and toolmarks, use of stereomicroscopes for a variety of examinations including tests for firearms discharge residues and use of chemicals and tools to perform a variety of examinations including serial number restorations.
* Analytical skills to resolve unique forensic scientific problems using leading edge approaches in order to do research and investigation by determining the nature of the problem, conducting independent specialized research, summarizing findings, drawing conclusions from scientific data and making recommendations which may impact the course of a criminal investigation, change the outcome of a trial or alter scientific approach or methodology related to a given forensic issue.
*Using logic and analysis when presenting findings, drawing conclusions or predicting outcomes (e.g. when presenting findings and evidence in court and when responding to real or hypothetical situations under cross examination.)
Job requires determining priorities in order to manage workload, provide project management and group leadership.
* Written communication skills to prepare scientific reports for police, crown attorneys and others, to
prepare publications in scientific journals and to document new or revised laboratory methods, and prepare project progress reports.
* Oral communication and presentation skills to provide expert testimony in court, to explain or present complex scientific issues and concepts to other scientists, judges, police, lawyers and to the lay person (i.e. jurors) in concise, accurate terms, to respond to questioning and cross examination in court;
to discuss problems, new/revised scientific research methods and findings with peers and clients; to respond to inquiries and to give presentations at scientific conferences/meetings.
* Interpersonal skills to discuss case progress with police, crowns, defence counsel, and other professional clients, to explain findings and results, provide advice on implications of findings and present options for next steps.
* Presentation skills to provide training to individuals who are involved in the collection and handling of material and data in order to ensure appropriate methods of collecting the best possible
samples for forensic testing and to explain the importance of maintaining integrity of samples.

Freedom of Action :

-Job requires working within standards to meet the requirements of the courts, laboratory accreditation requirements, ministry policies and procedures, historical practices and operational manuals. Job requires developing independent research and investigative methods where no established methods
exist. Job requires independently determining scope of scientific problems or issues within own case and project research and investigations, including anticipating implications and impacts of related areas and determining the appropriate course of action in order to carry out investigations and research.
Job requires independently reporting and releasing preliminary or final data on findings to clients i.e. investigation/prosecution team or defence attorney, including interpreting data, drawing conclusions, providing expert opinion on the implications of the findings, and indicating where results may be open
to varying interpretations. -Job requires providing independent peer review of the work of colleagues or other experts in other government laboratories or the private sector. Job requires participation on provincial, national and international committees to further ministry objectives and to obtain cooperation for mutual benefit in scientific and technology development and transfer. -Job requires updating supervisor of progress on casework and projects. Work performed is accepted as accurate and scientifically justified e.g. in a court of law, publication in scientific journals. Job requires referring problems and suggested solutions e.g. health risks, equipment and other resource needs, to supervisor.