Forensic Scientist 2 and Forensic Scientist 1 - DNA Discipline

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES ISP Forensic Scientist 1:

Scientific Analyses

• Employ various methods of scientific analysis to make determinations regarding samples submitted as evidence in criminal cases or for individual characteristic database entry.
• Assume responsibility for and maintain the integrity of evidence
• Interpret scientific data and ensure validity
• Author and issue laboratory reports
• Perform technical review and/or technical verification or others work
• Maintain established standards of laboratory cleanliness, safety, and efficiency
• Perform routine maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment
• Maintain specific levels of proficiency and certification in assigned discipline(s)
• Demonstrate proficiency through routine proficiency testing
• May optionally respond to crime scenes, clandestine laboratories, and autopsies to provide assistance, knowledge and expertise, this may include assistance with recognizing, documenting, and collecting evidence/samples for analysis. If approved for crime scene or clandestine laboratory response must complete the specialized training program associated with approval to respond

Training

• Work closely with advanced forensic scientists to complete the discipline specific specialized training program
• Acquire new skills and improve techniques, perform scientific analysis per the current laboratory protocol, gain greater knowledge of scientific instrumentation

Communication/courtroom testimony

• Provide detailed explanations/testimony regarding the methods of analysis performed and communicate and support the results of analysis
• Demonstrate concepts and teach cutting-edge technology in courtroom settings
• Educate officers, attorneys, and investigators
• Instruct in the proper techniques and procedures used to collect, maintain, and submit evidence

Administrative duties

• Respond to supervisors, technical leaders and headquarters staff for review and planning of programs, policies, manuals, and quality audits
• Provide statistical information
• Create goals, objectives, and employee development plan

Biology/DNA Casework

• Performs biological screening and DNA analyses on forensic samples
• Performs mixture interpretation and uses mixture interpretation software
• Interprets DNA profiles and makes comparisons of DNA profiles
• Authors reports on forensic biology screening and forensic DNA analysis
• Performs technical review of screening and DNA reports
• Testifies in court about forensic biology screening and DNA analysis
• Imports casework samples into CODIS (COmbined DNA Index System) and evaluates potential matches. CODIS the software used to operate local, state and national DNA database enabling laboratories to provide additional investigative leads

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES ISP Forensic Scientist 2:

Scientific Analyses

• All duties of the Forensic Scientist 1
• Conduct complex examinations of evidence and/or individual characteristic database samples
• May optionally respond to crime scenes, clandestine laboratories, and autopsies to provide assistance, knowledge and expertise; this may include assistance with recognizing, documenting, and collecting evidence/samples. If approved for crime scene or clandestine laboratory response must complete the specialized training program associated with approval to respond

Training

• Complete any required training on new techniques or instrumentation
• Train Forensic Scientists 1 in the utilization of analytical techniques and methods of scientific analyses utilized in the specific discipline
• Train police officers in collection and packaging of evidence
• Provide background information training for police officers, attorneys, and general public

Communication/courtroom testimony

• All duties of the Forensic Scientist 1
• Interpret findings for prosecutors and defense attorneys
• Prepare attorneys for presentation of expert's findings
• Testify as an expert witness in trials and other criminal hearings
• Qualified to offer opinions and answer hypothetical questions
• Train police officers in collection and packaging of evidence; provide background information training for police officers, attorneys, medical personnel and general public as assigned

Administrative Duties

• Respond to supervisors, technical leaders and headquarters staff for review and planning of programs, policies, manuals, and quality audits
• Provide statistical information
• Create goals, objectives, and employee development plan

Biology/DNA Casework

• Performs biological screening and DNA analyses on forensic samples
• Performs mixture interpretation and uses mixture interpretation software
• Interprets DNA profiles and makes comparisons of DNA profiles
• Authors reports on forensic biology screening and forensic DNA analysis
• Performs technical review of screening and DNA reports
• Testifies in court about forensic biology screening and DNA analysis
• Imports casework samples into CODIS and evaluates potential matches. (COmbined DNA Index System) and evaluates potential matches. CODIS the software used to operate local, state, and national DNA database enabling laboratories to provide additional investigative leads.

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

Requirements

Education:

• The education of each employee required to posses a secondary degree shall be verified prior to being hired by Forensic Services
• A copy of the college transcript (including specific required coursework) and proof of graduation for all personnel with education requirements listed in the MQ Specialties section must be provided to ISPFS. Successful completion of a course means a college or university defined passing grade
• Applicants with education obtained at a foreign institution must, at their expense, have credential evaluated by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., Milwaukee, WI; International Education Research Foundation, Inc., Los Angeles, CA; or World Education Services, Inc., New York, NY. Reports must be sent directly to ISP Human Resources by the evaluating organization. These degrees may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, in lieu of a US or Canadian degree, upon review of the evaluation report.
• When performing DNA analysis and where applicable, analysts shall meet the educational requirements of the Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories per the Federal DNA Identification Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. §14132{b})

Experience - A Forensic Scientist 2 must have at least two (2) years of qualifying work experience in the specified discipline. Qualifying work experience includes:

• Working independently, planning, managing, and prioritizing caseloads or individual characteristic database samples (as applicable), successfully engaging in independent research, evaluation, and validation activities
• Performing and documenting a range of examinations regarding forensic evidence
• Providing training and consultation services to professional criminal justice and scientific audiences
• Testifying as an expert regarding the forensic examinations performed in the specified discipline
• Must have a minimum of two (2) years' experience performing DNA database sample analysis and CODIS entry
• Will be required to obtain specialty certification by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) in Forensic DNA or ABC equivalent certification within three (3) years of being selected for or promoted to a Forensic Scientist 2 position

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