Job Description

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

Examples of Duties
Under general supervision, executes the handling, analysis and reporting of results of technical work in accordance with the quality assurance program as part of police and fire investigations in one or more units of the Forensic Services Section of the Baltimore County Police Department.

• 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.
• Trains and instructs other employees.
• Provides advice and guidance regarding computer crimes.
• Gives 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.
• Under close supervision, 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 conducting 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.
• The Forensic Scientists I in the Biology Lab is a trainee position.
• This position will perform general laboratory duties such as ordering supplies, making solutions, upkeep of equipment records, and complete training in serological and DNA analysis methods.
• This position also participates in the Quality Assurance program and accreditation activities..

Examples of Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as required.
• Attends and participates in seminars and conferences.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.)

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.
• (Experience in forensics or evidence collection may be substituted on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years for the required education.)
• Some positions may require certification by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) for the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Thorough knowledge of scientific principles, standard laboratory procedures, the rules of admissibility of evidence and chain of custody.
• Thorough knowledge of the theory and operation of chemicals, instruments and equipment used in a forensic laboratory.
• Thorough knowledge of ethical and quality assurance standards for forensic testing laboratories.
• Knowledge of analytical and comparative methods and techniques for forensic sciences concerning identification, collection, analysis and preservation of physical and digital evidence.
• Knowledge of criminal investigative procedures and the criminal justice system concerning the application of forensic science, including testifying.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)

• Provide expert or other testimony in court.
• Work independently.
• Legally access appropriate State and Federal databases.
• Learn and apply discipline specific technical knowledge of handling physical evidence and applying correct methods and techniques for identification, collection and preservation of physical and digital evidence.
• Learn and apply methods of analysis, analyze test data and draw accurate conclusions in accordance with approved procedures.
• Learn to maintain accurate records, prepare and present detailed documentation of analysis and results of analysis.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, law enforcement and legal system personnel.

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