Forensic Scientist III OR Forensic Scientist II (Latent Print Unit)

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

Forensic Scientist III:

• Involves the examination of latent print evidence; performing all work related to the analysis, comparison and evaluation of latent prints recovered from crime scenes.
• Conducts preliminary testing and preparation of evidence for analysis in one or more assigned areas.
• Participates in the preparation of unit equipment and materials used for testing and analytical tasks.
• Examines materials collected for adherence to established procedures concerning collection and identification of chemical and evidentiary samples.
• Conducts laboratory examinations utilizing procedures applicable to the analytical task(s) assigned.
• Isolates, collects, and analyzes evidentiary items as applicable.
• Generates data from laboratory examination and testing; reviews such for the purpose of determining findings; compiles such for reporting purposes and judicial process as applicable.
• Conducts administrative and/or technical review of casework.
• Testifies to analytical results in depositions and court.
• Performs validations, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of specialized unit equipment, to include performance checks, calibration, and sterilization procedures.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field through training, workshops, seminars, science periodicals, and other information sources; participates in annual proficiency examinations.
• Provides training, guidance, and assistance to other unit personnel in procedures, methods, and unit standards.
• May assist in conducting internal audits within the Crime Laboratory as directed.
• May act in the Crime Lab Technical Leader’s or Crime Lab Unit Manager’s absence as directed.

Forensic Scientist II:

• Involves the examination of latent print evidence; performing all work related to the analysis, comparison and evaluation of latten prints recovered from crime scenes.
• The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.
• Conducts preliminary testing and preparation of evidence for analysis in one or more assigned areas.
• Participates in the preparation of unit equipment and materials used for testing and analytical tasks.
• Examines materials collected for adherence to established procedures concerning collection and identification of chemical and evidentiary samples.
• Conducts laboratory examinations utilizing procedures applicable to the analytical task(s) assigned.
• Isolates, collects, and analyzes evidentiary items as applicable.
• Generates data from laboratory examination and testing; reviews such for the purpose of determining findings; compiles such for reporting purposes and judicial process as applicable.
• Conducts administrative and/or technical review of casework.
• Testifies to analytical results in depositions and court.
• Performs routine maintenance and troubleshooting of specialized unit equipment, to include performance checks, calibration, and sterilization procedures.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field through training, workshops, seminars, science periodicals, and other information sources; participates in annual proficiency examinations.
• May provide training, guidance, and assistance to other unit personnel in procedures, methods, and unit standards.
• Performs related duties as directed.

Requirements

Forensic Scientist III Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the natural or physical sciences, forensic science, criminalistics, or closely related field. Master’s degree preferred. Additional coursework may be necessary.
• Minimum three (3) years at the Forensic Scientist II level; or five (5) years journey level experience in latent print examination with exposure to the administrative aspects of the work.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Such must be clearly demonstrated on the application for consideration.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain certification by the governing board of the forensic discipline e.g., International Association for Identification (IAI). Successful completion of the ANAB Internal Auditor Training Course, or ANAB Assessor Training Course for Testing Laboratories or equivalent as determined by the Crime Lab Director.
• Successful completion of science-related coursework; per the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC), or NIST equivalent, to include General Biology and Advanced Latent Print Comparison Courses. Knowledge and experience of principles, methods and current techniques utilized in the forensic analysis of latent print evidence is required.

Forensic Scientist II Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the natural or physical sciences, forensic science, or closely related field; Additional coursework may be necessary.
• Successful completion of an in-house training program as a Forensic Scientist I, as determined by Crime Lab Command, that incorporates progressively responsible journey level experience in area of assignment; or a minimum of two (2) years journey level experience in latent print examination, with exposure to the administrative aspects of the work.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Such must be clearly demonstrated on the application for consideration.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of science-related coursework; per the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC),or NIST equivalent, to include General Biology and basic Fingerprint Classification and Comparison Courses or equivalent. Knowledge and experience of principles, methods and current techniques utilized in the forensic examination of latent print evidence is required.

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