12/1/89 B

This class is the advanced level in the Forensic Scientist Series. Positions function as statewide subject matter experts, possess unique expertise in a forensic specialty, serve as a region’s singular forensic scientist in a forensic specialty or serve in a lead capacity in a central office program. This class is distinguished from the Forensic Scientist class by the high degree of independence required of the positions as they function in a lead capacity or without benefit of immediate technical supervision or consultation with other examiners. It is distinguished from the Forensic Scientist Supervisor class by the latter’s requirement to provide formal supervision to Forensic Scientists, Scientists Senior and Scientist Trainees.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty requiring the independent examination and analysis of a variety of types of legal evidence. The work typically involves complex examinations of legal evidence, preparation of detailed reports concerning examination results, and provision of expert testimony in court regarding the evaluation and interpretation of the evidential material. Positions may provide on-site investigative support and instruct law enforcement personnel in the collection and handling of physical evidence; consult with lawyers and law enforcement officials regarding analyses; design and modify testing procedures as necessary; may serve in a lead capacity and train Forensic Scientist Trainees; and maintain the chain of custody and protect the integrity of the evidence.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor although they may serve in a lead capacity and assist in training Forensic Scientist Trainees.

Supervision Received: Works under the general direction of a Forensic Scientist Supervisor, Forensic Section Chief or Forensic Laboratory Regional Director. Technical direction is provided to regional positions by a Forensic Section Chief who is geographically removed from the work site. As technical direction is unavailable to these positions at their work site, they are expected to function independently with no direct on-site technical supervision. Consultation with the supervisor is expected only in unusual situations.

Scope: Activities affect the efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of crimes and the apprehension of criminal offenders.

Impact of Actions: Work facilitates criminal investigations of law enforcement agencies and death investigations of the Medical Examiners Office by providing information and testimony which will aid in the apprehension and conviction of criminal offenders. The need for absolute accuracy and correct decisions is of extreme importance to ensure the information and testimony provided are based in fact and defensible. Inaccurate evaluations and testimony could result in the lack of a criminal conviction where justified or inappropriate convictions that threaten the integrity and credibility of the entire Bureau.

Personal Contacts: Positions have routine internal and external contact with law enforcement officers to receive evidence, explain evidence gathering methods and explain the results of examinations; commonwealth attorneys and lawyers to explain the results and implications of examinations and prepare for court testimony; Judges and juries during court testimony; and forensic pathologists regarding the examination of evidence.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of scientific principles, practices, procedures and techniques used to prepare, examine and analyze items of evidence related to the specific forensic discipline; court procedures; rules of evidence, criminal law; and the applicable techniques of criminal investigation.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to independently perform a variety of complex analyses in the specialty area and accurately record observations; write and present court testimony in an articulate and professional manner; and work effectively with law enforcement officials, lawyers, judges, other investigative agencies and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in a natural or physical science, forensic science or a related area. Course work must include or be related to the specialty area.

Level and Type of Experience: Sufficient experience as a forensic scientist in a specialty area to qualify as an expert witness.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised by the Department of General Services and edited and validated by a Classification Review/Specification Update team, effective December 1, 1989