Forensic Scientist III

Duties

Examples of Duties

• Performs advanced/complex level of analyses 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.
• Assists in developing procedures for and executing performance of quality assurance for technical methods for one or more units of the Forensic Services Section.
• Assists in creating and instructing the training program.
• Assists in developing and maintaining unit specific manuals and forms concerning procedures for the analyses performed and results reported, and quality assurance thereof in one or more units of the Forensic Services Section.
• Maintains communication and networks outside of the Forensic Services Section in order to further the mission of the Section; participates in professional forums; communicates with peers and customers in a professional manner.
• 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 as well as completes other administrative and technical tasks in one or more unit of the Forensic Services Section.
• Transfers evidence in accordance with the rules of chain-of-custody.
• 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.
• Provides advice and guidance within the various disciplines of the Forensic Services Unit.
• Presents to community groups.
• Provides expert opinions/testimony in court.
• Prepares exhibits to be used in courts.
• Prepares evidence for further examination, analysis, and processing.
• Develops various types of plaster and rubber casts of crime scene evidence.
• Evaluates prints and photographs. Receives and logs evidence from evidence custodians in accordance with the rules of chain-of custody.
• Prepares standard and special reagents as required.
• Conducts biological/chemistry analysis and examinations pertaining to law enforcement investigations.
• Formulates conclusions and prepares investigative reports and charts based on forensic examinations.
• Clean and maintain laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Assists in the purchase and inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies.

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
• Four 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.)
• **In accordance with accreditation requirements**
• **Some positions may require additional coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) covering the following subject areas: biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology and, if after July 1, 2020 shall have successfully completed coursework covering statistics and/or population genetics; plus four years’ experience which must include three years’ of human DNA experience as a qualified analyst on forensic samples.
• **Some positions may substitute an Associate's degree in digital forensics, cyber security or high technology crime or a related field; plus certification by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) for the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) or equivalent; plus nine years' experience performing analysis of digital forensic evidence, including testifying in a criminal court as an expert witness may be substituted for the educational requirement for some positions.
• **Some positions may require successful completion of professional level training (ANAB technical assessor training or equivalent) in quality assurance.

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.
• Digital: Certification through the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) as a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) is required at the time of appointment.
• Chemistry: Certification from the Maryland Department of Health is required to analyze controlled dangerous substances.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!