Job Description

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

Examples of Work - Under close supervision, the entry-level Crime Lab Analyst learns to perform the following duties:

• Performs scientific and forensic examinations while using safe laboratory practices.
• Prepares basic analytical reports of evidence; may testify as a witness in state and federal courts and give depositions.
• Evaluates other analysts’ courtroom testimony where appropriate.
• Disseminates information on evidentiary-related subjects to law enforcement agencies, courts, and legislative groups.
• Defines problems, collects data, establishes facts, interprets findings, and draws valid conclusions in conjunction with scientific analysis.
• Communicates with and provides training for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, faculty, staff, and service personnel.
• Serves as a witness during court testimonies regarding the particular evidence analyzed or the work involved in preparing the evidence for analysis.
• Collects, handles, and preserves evidence for future analysis.
• Assists in forensic autopsies.

CRIMINALISTICS FUNCTION:

• Photographs physical evidence at crime scenes and/or evidence received in the laboratory utilizing special photographic equipment.
• Processes evidence for latent fingerprints.
• Assists in forensic autopsies.
• Operates the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
• Operates the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN).
• Operates the Next Generation Identification System (NGI).

FORENSIC AND CODIS DNA FUNCTION:

• Conducts deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis on biological specimens including isolation, identification and genetic characterization of body fluids in order to draw valid conclusions from scientific analysis.
• Operates the Combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS).
• Conducts database queries to compare CODIS DNA profiles and assists in reviewing database matches.

CHEMISTRY FUNCTION:

• Performs blood alcohol content (BAC) analysis or beverage alcohol content (AC) analysis, preliminary accessioning of evidence, and toxicological analyses on blood and urine specimens.
• Handles of all schedules of Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS).
• Analyzes seized drug evidence to determine the presence or absence of Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS).
• Performs toxicological analyses utilizing all validated instruments and/or technology available in the unit.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A baccalaureate degree with twelve semester hours in biology or chemistry and an additional twelve semester hours in a biological science, chemistry, forensic science, molecular physics, physics, criminalistics or pharmacology.
• A combination of coursework is allowed.

NOTE:

• Applicants must meet the current educational requirements of the hiring agency’s accrediting body for the laboratory.

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