3G42
PAY RANGE: EP12**
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is forensic science technician work at the full performance level in support of criminal investigations for the Office of Forensic Science (OFS) or a patrol district or investigative unit of the Philadelphia Police Department.
Employees in this class assist qualified forensic examiners by supporting forensic science duties involved in the receipt, transfer, preservation, handling, preparation, analysis and comparison of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations. Employees in this class perform work in one of the following assignments: Biology/Chemistry, Evidence Control or Pattern Evidence. Positions within the Biology/Chemistry assignment prepare samples for analysis by a forensic scientist, enter forensic sample data into databases and perform other basic laboratory and evidence duties. Positions in the Evidence Control assignment receive, analyze, classify and store all evidence submitted to the Office of Forensic Science (OFS) or Patrol District or Investigative Unit, coordinate digital evidence activities to include Body Worn Cameras, make recommendations to increase efficiency of evidence submission and storage processes, utilize evidence databases, and assist with forensic forms and reports. Positions in the Pattern Evidence assignment classify, and analyze physical evidence related to a specified functional area; Firearms Identification, Document Analysis or Fingerprint Identification, assist forensic examiners, enter forensic sample data into databases and perform other basic laboratory and evidence duties.
An employee in this class may be required to work on a rotating shift. All work is performed in accordance with national and international quality assurance standards. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical or administrative superior, and involves some disagreeable aspects. Employees assigned to a patrol district or investigative unit will receive technical supervision from a technical superior at the Office of Forensic Science and onsite supervision from an administrative supervisor.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
1. Positions must perform forensic science technician work at the full performance level.
2. Positions must assist qualified forensic examiners by supporting forensic science duties involved in the receipt, transfer, preservation, handling, preparation and comparison of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations.
3. Positions must perform the work in the Philadelphia Police Department.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
ALL ASSIGNMENTS
Supports the activities of qualified forensic examiners in the receipt, transfer, preservation, examination, handling, and comparative analysis of items of evidence collected in criminal investigations; receives and transports evidence obtained from crime scenes; logs in samples in compliance with departmental and national forensic accreditation procedures; stores samples according to properly established protocols; identifies and classifies evidence to be transferred to specific areas of specialty; prepares evidence for examination; enters samples and/or data into appropriate forensic databases; may operate and maintain a variety of forensic science equipment applicable to the area of assignment; performs simple maintenance, adjustments and inspection of equipment; calibrates forensic science equipment applicable to the area of assignment by utilizing a variety of controls and prepared samples; prepares and monitors forensic supplies; maintains forensic environment in a sanitary condition; performs various quality control functions as required.
Assists in the development of administrative reports and presentations; assists forensic scientists with the generation of reports and/or projects; records evidence information into electronic data-system; updates records as required; labels evidence containers; stores evidence in temporary facilities; logs evidence in and out of property rooms; accesses Police and Court computer systems for incident, defendant and court information; testifies in court as to results and nature of testing in civil and criminal cases and regarding chain of custody of evidence; explains laboratory results to investigators and attorneys as required.
Provides information about evidence to forensic scientists; maintains written or electronic logs; utilizes the computer based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to properly document all case activities; logs any observations and actions related to evidence samples.
Complies with all administrative and technical directives of the Police Department and Office of Forensic Science; complies and maintains compliance with all requirements of all relevant forensic science accreditation standards; explains protocols and actions to senior forensic scientists, investigators and attorneys as required.
May perform statistical analysis of data, using mean, standard deviations and various other formulae; compiles and enters data; performs calculations.
Participates with forensic scientists in the training of lower level technicians in forensic laboratory techniques, databases and analysis.
Biology/ Chemistry Assignment
Prepares and monitors reagents; prepares, cleans and disinfects laboratory glassware and other supplies; prepares biological or chemical samples for analysis by forensic scientists, according to documented protocols; sample preparation may include, but is not limited to, specimen selection, initial examination, proper drying, and swabbing/cutting specimens for serological or DNA examinations; assists forensic scientists with administrative and technical products.
Evidence Control Assignment
Receives forensic evidence (including digital evidence, drugs, firearms, fire debris, explosives, documents, biological materials, any physical material used in the course of a criminal investigation, etc.); examines evidence containers for contents, physical hazards, proper seal, and packaging and labeling; returns materials not correctly sent or improperly and unsafely packaged.
Evaluates evidence submissions and requests to determine the most appropriate unit to analyze evidence; contacts police units, courts, and District Attorney’s office to coordinate submissions and requests; assist forensic scientists in the coordination of analytical requests, files and evidence transfers; accepts and inventories previously submitted and analyzed evidence that has been presented in Court; assists in inventorying and disposing of evidence to external facilities; repackages inventories and properly stores evidence that requires drying or special handling; assists forensic scientists with files, reports and other administrative aspects of the forensic analysis; provides training to law enforcement regarding the proper handling, packaging and submission of forensic evidence; assures compliance with any existing national standards related to forensic evidence submission and storage; evaluates processes and makes recommendations to increase efficiency of evidence submission and storage processes; implements standards and evaluates the need to apply changes to PPD policies to comply with new standards regarding evidence submission and storage; establishes initial case entries into the LIMS and other relevant databases.
Positions in Patrol Districts or Investigative units maintain proper storage of evidence prior to submission of evidence to the OFS or evidence custodian; coordinate evidence issues with OFS, and ensure proper transfers of forensic evidence.
Pattern Evidence Assignment
Performs duties in a specified functional area; Firearms Identification, Document Analysis or Fingerprint Identification; prepares and monitors reagents; uses integrated ballistics identification systems, latent print identification systems or document analysis procedures according to protocols; visually recognizes and accurately determines basic correlated microscopic marks and other characteristics in a forensic examination related to the specified area; takes photographs of evidence to include photomicrographic techniques; prepares specimens for analysis by a qualified forensic scientist; assists forensic scientists with administrative and technical products.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
· the practices, procedures and techniques used to prepare, examine and analyze laboratory specimens applicable to work assignment
· legal and/or medical terminology, as applied to area of assignment
· laboratory safety related to hazardous substances and biological hazards as required by work assignment
· the principles, methods and techniques involved in applying the disciplines of chemistry, biology or pattern evidence to tests performed
SKILL IN:
ABILITY TO:
· learn preservation techniques for items submitted in evidence and laws affecting the handling of physical evidence and the confidentiality of reports for the Evidence Control assignment
· learn techniques for handling, disarming and storing all types of firearms for the Pattern Evidence assignment
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 3/18.)
Option 1: Biology/Chemistry Assignment
EDUCATION:
Completion of 60 credits at an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, chemistry, forensic science or a related physical or natural science.
OR
EDUCATION:
Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
Two years of military service with an honorable discharge with specialized experience in biology, chemistry or clinical laboratory technology.
OR
Option 2: Pattern Evidence Assignment
EDUCATION:
Completion of 60 credits at an accredited college or university with major coursework in a physical, natural or forensic science.
OR
EDUCATION:
Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience as a Fingerprint Identification Specialist 2.
OR
Two years of military service with an honorable discharge with specialized experience in armor, artillery, engineering or military police.
Option 3: Evidence Control Assignment
EDUCATION:
Completion of 60 credits at an accredited college or university with major coursework in:
1. Criminal Justice
2. Legal Studies
3. Paralegal Studies
4. Computer Forensics
5. Computer Science/Information Technology
6. Digital Filmmaking and Video Production
7. Visual Effects and Motion Graphics
8. Media Studies
9. Photography
10. Physical or Natural Science/Forensic Science
EDUCATION:
Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Two years of clerical experience in the Office of Forensic Science of the Philadelphia Police Department or in an accredited Forensic Laboratory.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience as a Legal Services Clerk performing specialized clerical work in support of law enforcement activities following chain-of-custody handling techniques for receipt and storage of evidence in the Office of Forensic Science.
OR
EDUCATION:
Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
EXPERIENCE:
Two years of military service with an honorable discharge with specialized experience in digital forensics, computer science or logistics.
NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions. In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification - the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with the experience or education in the area of study to fill specific positions by assignment in this class. Certification to fill such positions will be made from the two highest-ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified experience or education.
City of Philadelphia Class(es) which typically meet the experience requirements:
Pattern Evidence Assignment:
Fingerprint Identification Specialist 2 (6C13)
Evidence Control Assignment:
Legal Services Clerk (Forensic Evidence Specialty only) (1B40)
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Ability to visually distinguish test results, which may include color changes, pattern recognition, and interpretation of electronic data (tables, graphs and charts) if required by assignment.
Class Established - 9/65
Spec. Revision: CSC - 6/97
Ad. Board. - 9/97
Spec. Revision: CSC: 8/14
Ad Board: 9/14
Spec Revision: CSC: 11/14
Ad Board: 1/15
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC: 2/18
Ad Board: 3/18
Change in pay rate:
CSC: 2/23
Ad. Board: 3/23
CP