3H44

PAY RANGE: N28

FORENSIC SERVICES ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is administrative and technical forensic laboratory work directing through subordinate Forensic Laboratory Managers, the operations of a section within the Philadelphia Police Department’s Office of Forensic Science (OFS). The position in this class also assists the Director of Forensic Science in strategic planning, resource management, grant acquisition, procurement, program management, technology acquisition and transfer, accreditation compliance, investigative support, and various managerial tasks. Work includes planning, directing, coordinating and evaluating a wide variety of forensic examinations and qualitative and quantitative analyses of physical, digital, chemical and biological evidence. The employee in this class is responsible for developing and evaluating new techniques and methods of forensic analysis, policies and procedures, developing professional staff, and advising criminal justice community personnel about evidence collection techniques, forensic analysis, reporting, and the safe handling/retention of evidence. Ensuring the laboratory is compliant with quality assurance and laboratory accreditation standards, providing expert testimony in court, and coordinating activities with other members of the Office of Forensic Science management team are significant aspects of the work. All work is performed in accordance with national and international quality assurance standards. Work is performed under the general direction of an administrative superior.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met in order for a position to be allocated to this class.)

1. Positions must perform administrative forensic laboratory work, directing through subordinate Forensic Laboratory Managers, the operations of a section within the Office of Forensic Science (OFS).

2. Positions must be located in the Philadelphia Police Department’s Office of Forensic Science (OFS).

3. No more than 2 positions shall be allocated to this class.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Plans, directs and coordinates through subordinate managers, the comprehensive operations for multiple laboratory sections; directs, through subordinate managers, scientific and clerical staff responsible for performing a high volume of casework for a laboratory section, including analytical procedures, research projects and the ongoing scientific analysis of a wide variety of confiscated materials and evidence in support of criminal investigations.

Establishes collaborative processes between the Office of Forensic Science units, sections, and divisions to ensure effective and efficient operations; establishes operational performance goals; develops, recommends, and establishes laboratory policies and procedures and ensures all sections comply to quality assurance and accreditation standards; reviews and approaches testing methods and procedures for routine analyses involving scientific research or adaptation of existing methods; plans complex testing methods and procedures for special investigations; develops and enforces laboratory safety procedures.

Reviews and approves the findings of a wide variety tests; directs the development and use of quality assurance methods to validate analytical data; interprets the findings of highly complex tests to law enforcement and other officials; develops and establishes archival procedures for test data, reports and analyses; prepares, reviews and presents technical reports on behalf of the Office of Forensic Science; develops policies, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of quality assurance procedures.

Directs the laboratory accreditation and quality assurance activities for multiple laboratory sections; develops policies to ensure compliance to all applicable standards and requirements; plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of quality assurance procedures; regularly reviews reports and data from internal and external quality assurance audits to make recommendations about trends, risks and mitigation concerning chain of custody, testing methods and procedures, professional training and other factors.

Testifies in court and directs the subordinates staff in providing expert testimony regarding laboratory tests and examination evidence, ; explains forensic techniques and theory applicable to current or hypothetical cases; provides technical justification through evidence analysis to establish probable cause for warrants; participates in Civilian Board of Inquiry hearings to examine Police department civilian disciplinary cases. Reviews changes in legislation affecting the provision of forensic laboratory services and/or the analysis of controlled substances; interprets legislation pertaining to evidence analysis, identification and control; develops and adapts related policies and procedures in conformance with legislative and other regulatory requirements.

Plans and directs, through subordinate managers the implementation of a professional training program for the preservation, examination, handling and analysis of forensic evidence; directs and oversees training of laboratory personnel by qualified forensic examiners; determines and coordinates advanced training for senior laboratory staff.

Directs the identification, development, validation, implementation, and technology transfer of new scientific and technological processes into operations within one or more units; develops protocols and training strategies to enhance capabilities across disciplines; manages complex multi-disciplinary projects that may involve implementation with internal and external partners.

Contacts a variety of public and private agencies to gather information on various analytical techniques and to solicit samples such as testing standards; may prepare reports interpreting test results, indicating probability of crime or violation of statutes or ordinances; conducts research experiments to develop modern, efficient and precise laboratory methods, techniques and procedures; reviews national and international professional journals and technical reports concerning developments in the forensic analysis; studies new scientific and professional developments related to forensic science; develops, tests and evaluates new methods, techniques and procedures for efficacy and feasibility for forensic analysis; reviews data and analytical reports to ensure laboratory policies and procedures are followed; may conduct field work at crime scene directing the collection and analysis of evidence in complex, sensitive or major investigations.

Makes strategic planning recommendations to the Director of Forensic Science; prepares and oversees sections of the annual laboratory budget; prepares grant applications for the purchase of specialized laboratory equipment; prepares ongoing reports on grant funded studies and research projects; makes recommendations about procurement and contract specifications.

Represents the Police Department at organizations for the advancement and improvement of forensic science; coordinates activities with academia, public laboratories and private industry to ensure that continuing provision of quality forensic services.

Advises law enforcement personnel about all aspects of evidence collection, safe handling procedures for drug equipment and hazardous materials; arranges and directs the transports, intake, control and destruction of large quantities of evidence such as controlled substances; ensures the destruction of evidence is performed in compliance with quality assurance standards, policies and procedures.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· budget management principles and practices applicable to an accredited forensic laboratory

· the standard practices, procedures, and techniques used in scientific crime detection

· supervisory principles and practices

· the principles and methods of quality assurance as related to a forensic laboratory

· the principles, practices and techniques used to prepare, examine and analyze laboratory specimens for forensic investigations

· the principles, methods and techniques to apply chemistry, physics, biology, DNA analysis, mathematics, and pattern evidence to analyses

· the administrative principles and practices involved in directing an accredited forensic science laboratory

· current literature, research, trends, legislation and court decisions relating to forensic science

· the principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups

· the rules of evidence and methods used in presenting evidence in court

· guidelines, procedures and regulations relating to national and international forensic science standards

SKILL IN:

· evaluating scientific research and new products for use in forensic operations

· the use of laboratory equipment and the performance of forensic procedures

· applying laboratory management principles including equipment selection, personnel assignment, and work prioritization

· applying policies and principles related to chain of custody

· applying forensic quality assurance standards, practices and research methods

· statistical analysis as it relates to forensic science

ABILITY TO:

· develop and adapt new and existing methods and techniques of analytical chemistry to in-house processes

· plan, direct and coordinate the work of a multi-discipline staff through subordinate managers

· manage multiple forensic laboratory sections with diverse specialties and personnel

· prepare scientifically-accurate and comprehensive reports of all work performed in the laboratory

· make recommendations for the development of strategic plans, resource requirements, grant acquisitions and contract procurement

· analyze and develop laboratory policies and procedures related to national accreditation standards

· develop multidisciplinary procedures and processes proper communication and workflow

· perform forensic analyses and examinations

· prepare and maintain budgetary and related records and reports of tests conducted

· effectively present expert testimony in court

· develop and conduct forensic training

· apply information systems used for forensic analyses, data analyses, and report generation

· establish and maintain effective relationships with associates, police personnel, and outside agencies

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 7/23.)

EDUCATION:

Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university, with major course work in chemistry, biological science, forensic science, applied science, physical or natural science or a closely related scientific field.

AND

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

Eight years of forensic science work, which has included at least five years as a qualified forensic examiner, at an accredited federal, state or municipal forensic laboratory.

AND

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:

Two years of forensic science work as a qualified examiner at the managerial level, equivalent to the Forensic Laboratory Manager, planning and directing the operations of a section within an accredited federal, state or municipal forensic laboratory, through subordinate supervisors, with responsibility for planning and reviewing scientific work and presenting expert testimony in court.

NOTE: Candidates must provide documentation, prior to appointment, to support their previous qualification as a qualified forensic examiner. See below for details.

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 ASCLD-LAB, FQS, or another ISO 17025 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.

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).

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment.

Class Established 5/65

Spec. Revision 10/83

Spec. Revision: CSC - 03/04; Ad Board - 05/04

Spec. Revision

CSC - 2/14

Ad. Board – 3/14

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 6/23

Ad. Board – 7/23