Forensic Scientist II

Duties

Examples of Duties

• Performs analysis and examinations of physical and or digital evidence and prepares reports thereof as part of police and fire investigations in one or more units of the Forensic Services Section.
• Provides expert testimony in court.
• Performs other laboratory activities to support the technical work and the quality assurance program for one or more units of the Forensic Services Section.
• Participates in continuing education and training and completes other administrative and technical tasks in one or more unit of the Forensic Services Section.
• Transfers evidence.
• Conducts thorough examinations of computer hard disk drives, and other electronic data storage media.
• Preserves and copies the original media.
• Prevents the transference of viruses, destructive programs, and inadvertent writes to and from the original media.
• Restores recoverable deleted files.
• Accesses password-protected and secured files.
• Uses forensic software applications to analyze electronic media.
• Examines the contents of a computer's CMOS.
• Examines boot record data, system configuration, and operation command files.
• Verifies the correctness of the computer's internal clock.
• Physically disassembles and examines computers and related hardware components.
• Identifies evidence of computer crimes such as the theft and sabotage of data; unlawful access of data and systems; fraudulent use of bank, credit, and telecommunications accounts; and the trafficking of pornography.
• Examines and analyzes text, graphics, multimedia, and digital images.
• Labels and secures evidence.
• Prepares and presents reports of examinations and findings.
• Works with prosecutors and others to prepare cases for trial.
• May provide advice and guidance within the various disciplines of the forensic services unit. May give presentations to community groups.
• Provides expert opinions/testimony in court.
• Performs other laboratory activities to support the technical work and the quality assurance program for one or more units of the Forensic Services Section.
• Prepares evidence for further examination, analysis, and processing.
• Develops various types of plaster and rubber casts of crime scene evidence.
• Evaluates prints and photographs.
• Participates in continuing education and training and completes other administrative and technical tasks in one or more unit of the Forensic Services Section.
• Transfers evidence.
• Conducts biological/chemistry analysis and examinations pertaining to law enforcement investigations.
• Receives and logs evidence from evidence custodians in accordance with rules of chain-of-custody.
• Prepares standard and special reagents as required.
• Conducts and assists in biological/chemistry analysis and examinations.
• Formulates conclusions and prepares investigative reports and charts based on forensic examinations.
• Prepares exhibits to be used in courts and provides expert testimony in court.
• Cleans and maintains laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Assists in the purchase and inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Performs other related duties as required

Examples of Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as required.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, genetics, medical technology, pharmaceutical science, or a related field (physical, natural, or forensic science).
OR
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, law enforcement, digital forensics, cyber security, high technology crime or a related field.
PLUS
• Two years' experience in the scientific analysis of forensic evidence, including testifying in a criminal court as an expert forensics witness.
• (Possession of a Master's degree in chemistry, biology or a related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Possession of Doctoral degree in chemistry, biology, or related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience.)

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver's license is required at the time of appointment.
• Some positions may require certification by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) for the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) or equivalent.
• Chemistry: Certification from the Maryland Department of Health is required to analyze controlled dangerous substances.

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