Forensic Scientist 3 - Qualified Examiner

This is forensic science work at the advanced performance level in the preservation, examination, handling, and comparative analysis of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations. Positions in this class are allocated to one of five assignments: Biology, Chemistry, Crime Scene, Digital Evidence, Genealogy, or Pattern Evidence. Positions allocated to the Pattern Evidence assignment are assigned to one of the following disciplines: Documents, Firearms/Toolmarks, or Latent Prints.

About the Role

An important aspect of the work is serving on interdisciplinary committees within the Office of Forensic Science of the Philadelphia Police Department. Work in this class differs from the next lower level in that the employee is expected to provide basic instruction to junior examiners and trainees and assist in the development of training materials while maintaining an active forensic caseload. As experience is gained, employees oversee small projects within the area of specialty.

Work in each assignment includes examining evidence associated with crimes for presentation of laboratory findings in written reports and through expert testimony in criminal trials. An employee in this class is expected to work independently in the performance of these tasks. All work is performed in accordance with national and international quality assurance standards in the accredited Office of Forensic Science of the Philadelphia Police Department. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher-level forensic scientist or technical superior.

Responsibilities

• Perform preservation, examination, handling, and comparative analysis of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations.
• Serve on interdisciplinary committees within the Office of Forensic Science.
• Provide basic instruction to junior examiners and trainees and assist in the development of training materials.
• Oversee small projects within the area of specialty.
• Examine evidence for presentation of laboratory findings in written reports and through expert testimony in criminal trials.
• Maintain status as a qualified Forensic Examiner during tenure of employment.

Requirements

Candidates must attach proof of qualified examiner status with their application. All assignments require three years of forensic science work, at least one year of which shall have been at the qualified examiner level, equivalent to a Forensic Scientist 2, in the preservation, examination, handling, and comparative analysis of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations in the assigned area or performing genetic sequencing within a laboratory or academic setting.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in the following areas, depending on assignment:

Biology

Any of the following degrees, which include at least 3 credits in EACH of the following courses: molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry:

• Biological Science
• Forensic Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Related Science Degrees

Candidates must also have, prior to appointment, successfully completed 3 coursework credits or have documented training/experience in population genetics or statistics, in accordance with FBI Quality Assurance Standards.

Chemistry

Chemistry or any of the following degrees with 24 semester hours in chemistry or biochemistry:

• Biological Science
• Forensic Science
• Physical or Natural Science
• Related Science Degree
• Chemical Engineering

Crime Scene

Physical, Natural, or Related Science Degree, Forensic Science, Engineering, Computer Science/Information Technology, or Criminal Justice/Investigations/Intelligence with at least nine (9) credit hours of physical or natural science coursework AND three (3) credit hours in Statistics or Quantitative Research Methods.

Digital Evidence

• Computer Forensics
• Computer Science/Information Technology
• Digital Filmmaking and Video Production
• Visual Effects and Motion Graphics
• Media Studies
• Photography

Genealogy

• History
• Anthropology
• Library Science
• Information Science
• Related Science Degree

Certification or coursework in Genetic or Forensic Genealogy from a recognized professional institution.

Pattern Evidence

• Chemistry
• Biological Science
• Forensic Science
• Physical or Natural Science
• Applied Science
• Engineering

Note: Crime Scene and Pattern Evidence assignments only: Additional qualified experience as a Forensic Scientist or equivalent Forensic Examiner experience at the Office of Forensic Science or another accredited agency substitutes for the bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.

Qualified Examiner Documentation

Must be provided to the Police Department at the time of interview. Proof of successful completion of a training program within an accredited forensic science organization, which resulted in qualification as an expert (forensic examiner) in the area of specialty and assignment. Qualification must have included independent forensic casework, routine proficiency testing, and testimony as an expert in the area of specialty/discipline.

External candidates must provide documentation to support their qualification as an expert. Documentation should include:

• A certificate or letter from an accredited forensic laboratory that details the area and date of qualification.
• Proof of the laboratory’s accreditation from either ANAB or another ISO/IEC 17025 or 17020 forensic accrediting body.
• Proof of successful completion of routine proficiency test may include copies of proficiency test results, a summary document from the laboratory’s quality assurance program, or other documentation that details scope and completion of proficiency testing.
• Proof of testimony experience may include a copy of a court transcript from one or more trials, or a letter from a court official detailing the expert’s experience testifying in court as an expert in a specific discipline.