GENERAL DEFINITION

This is training level forensic science work learning the methods and techniques involved 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 areas of assignment: Biology, Chemistry, Crime Scene, Digital Evidence, or Pattern Evidence. Positions allocated to the Pattern Evidence specialty may be assigned to one of the following disciplines: Documents, Firearms/Toolmarks, or Latent Prints.  Positions in all specialties participate in an extensive training and evaluation program to be qualified as a forensic expert.

            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. Assignments increase in scope and complexity as experience is gained and the qualification level is neared. Employees in this class assist other technical personnel conducting laboratory and field tests. 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.

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

· Positions must be located in the Office of Forensic Science of the Philadelphia Police Department.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

ALL ASSIGNMENTS

• Actively participates in a formal training and evaluation program to qualify as a forensic scientist in the assigned discipline, which involves learning and demonstrating proficiency in the duties of the assignment. The training program will consist of both theory and practical exercises, advancing in scope and responsibility through the duration of the training.
• Logs in samples in compliance with departmental and national forensic accreditation procedures.
• Stores samples according to proper established protocols.
• Maintains data records; prepares reports.
• Communicates findings and conclusions with investigators, attorneys, and members of the criminal justice community as authorized.
• Provides expert testimony on examinations in criminal trials.
• Checks instrumentation for validity and reliability against standards and recalibrates.
• Maintains compliance with all quality assurances standards for forensic accreditation.
• Provides presentations on general forensic science or in the assigned discipline.
• Participates in research and validation projects.
• Participation in regular training and competency testing.
• Provides presentations in the field of specialty
• Performs related work as required.

BIOLOGY ASSIGNMENT

• Examines physical evidence for trace materials to be tested with presumptive and confirmatory procedures.  Procedures may include, but are not limited to, those for the presence of blood, semen, saliva, hair or other biological material,
• Prepare samples for DNA analysis and/or outsourced specialty analyses.
• Extracts DNA from various biological samples (i.e. blood, semen, saliva, etc.) using DNA extraction techniques, such as, Chelex and organic methods.
• Amplifies extracted DNA for particular genetic markers using PCR technology.
• Stores samples according to proper established protocols.
• Establishes genetic profiles for biological samples collected from crime scenes and reference samples collected from suspects/victims through the use of standard molecular biology techniques, equipment and software, such as capillary electrophoresis analyzers, genetic analysis software, and probabilistic genotyping software. 
• Performs DNA analysis through use of automated systems for high-throughput processing of evidence.
• Performs DNA analyses using Rapid DNA instrumentation.
• Compares genetic profiles established from scene samples to genetic profiles established from reference samples.
• Performs basic statistical calculations to determine frequencies of matching profiles.
• Performs advanced statistical calculations to evaluate biological relationships associated with kinship.
• Performs related work as required.

CHEMISTRY ASSIGNMENT

• Collects and analyzes samples of liquid, solid, and gaseous materials, substances and compounds for qualitative and/or quantitative results.
• Analyzes samples with wet chemistry methods or standard laboratory equipment and/or advanced instrumentation, such as, atomic absorption/emission spectrophotometers, gas/liquid chromatographs, UV-visible, infra-red spectrophotometers, mass spectrometers, scanning electron microscopes, compound microscopes and/or any related equipment.
• Participates in research projects by performing routine tests.
• Performs related work as required.

CRIME SCENE ASSIGNMENT Documents evidence at crime scene by photographing, labeling, sketching, preserving latent prints and preparing detailed laboratory reports; consults investigators as to range and kind of evidence to gather, measures and drafts preliminary sketches of crime scene, photographs crime scene using digital, large format, video and 3D laser imaging; photographs specific items of evidence; develops and enlarges photographs taken at crime scene, utilizes software to enhance images to be used in court proceedings; may take aerial photographs and videos of crime scenes.

• Dusts with special powders or applies other chemical or physical techniques to detect latent prints; lifts and preserves exposed latent fingerprints; photographs exposed latent prints; may roll fingerprints of suspects or others for comparison purposes.
• Searches interiors, grounds and rooftops; collects and preserves physical evidence; detects and lifts blood, semen, DNA and gunshot residue; utilizes metal detectors, portable magnets and forensic (alternate) light sources; makes tire, tool, footprint and other impressions with plaster, dental stone or silicone rubber; vacuums and brushes surfaces for residue evidence; takes fingernail scrapings and hair samples and tests hands of victims or suspects for gunpowder residue; takes fingerprints and nail scrapings of cadavers at the morgue.
• Preserves, packages and labels all evidence collected; prepares property receipts and detailed reports of investigations and evidence gathered; uses specialized computer software packages for processing evidence; prepares scale drawing utilizing specialized software of crime scene from rough sketch and measurements; cooperates with city, state and federal authorities in the investigation of crime scenes; drives police vehicle to and from crime scene; communicates status via police radio.
• Performs related work as required.

DIGITAL EVIDENCE ASSIGNMENT

• Maintains forensic evidence files in appropriate manner on departmental information systems
• Edits and redacts audio/video for release to media outlets or “Right to Know” requests
• Determines the type, format, characteristics and proper playback method of digital files.
• Captures and converts data from proprietary formats to universal file formats in a forensically sound manner.
• Corrects color balance, adjust tonal values, aspect ratios, etc. in digital images.
• Forensically enhances digital images, audio or video for investigative purposes.
• Performs extraction of digital evidence from smart devices in a forensically sound manner.
• Performs digital examination of cell phones and other media devices with accepted techniques and instruments.
• Coordinates computer forensic examinations with FBI Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory or other accredited forensic services providers.
• Prepares basic digital evidence for court exhibition in a manner that lends value to the evidence while maintaining its integrity.

PATTERN EVIDENCE ASSIGNMENT

Positions in Document Analysis

• Examines, classifies and/or compares documents, papers, checks, stickers, stamps, impressions, handwriting and other related evidence
• Utilizes advanced techniques to restore or visualize identifying marks and obliterated or altered evidence.
• Utilizes various recovery techniques for latent print evidence on papers and other document evidence.
• Performs related work as required.

Positions in Firearms/Toolmarks Identification

• Examines, classifies and/or compares firearms, ammunition, tools, toolmarks, and other ballistics evidence.
• Checks files to ascertain if recovered weapons have a previous record of being stolen or wanted as evidence.
• Utilizes advanced techniques to restore identifying marks or serial numbers, which may have been obliterated.
• Performs comparative analysis on various comparison microscopes and documents findings through photomicrography and written notes.
• Performs acquisitions, correlations, and confirmations of NIBIN eligible evidence, as needed.
• Tests fire weapons and performs safety checks.
• Performs related work as required.

Positions in Latent Print

• Examines and classifies incoming fingerprint impression evidence.
• Enters work received into a computerized tracking program.
• Evaluates and enters suitable latent prints into an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) for searching.
• Uses AFIS results to pull files for manual comparison.
• Makes decisions of individualization based on ACE-V scientific methodology
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

ALL ASSIGNMENTS

• basic techniques used in a forensic laboratory
• basic forensic quality assurance practices
• relevant national standards and guidelines related to assigned area
• safety practices and procedures as they apply to a forensic laboratory and specifically to area of specialization and assignment
• basic computer operations
• general rules, procedures and laws of evidence
• mathematics and statistics as they relate to the area of assignment

BIOLOGY ASSIGNMENT

• the principles of biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, forensic science, and statistics
• basic biology and molecular biology techniques and equipment used in a forensic biology laboratory
• National Standards for Forensic DNA Analysis

CHEMISTRY ASSIGNMENT

• the principles, methods and practices of chemistry, in particular analytical chemistry
• techniques and equipment used in a forensic chemistry laboratory

CRIME SCENE ASSIGNMENT

• the principles of science and technology that apply to crime scene investigations
• basic familiarity of photography principles and techniques
• basic principles of the preservation of biological, digital, and physical evidence
• general rules, procedures and laws of evidence

DIGITAL EVIDENCE ASSIGNMENT

• methods and practices for editing and adjusting digital still/video images and audio tracks
• principles, methods and practices of forensic still/video image and audio analysis
• tools and equipment used for the extraction, manipulation and examination of digital evidence
• standards and guidelines for the processing of digital evidence

PATTERN EVIDENCE ASSIGNMENT

• the principles of comparative analyses used in a forensic science laboratory for pattern evidence, such as documents, firearms/toolmarks, and latent print examinations.
• mathematics and statistics as they relate to forensic pattern evidence  

SKILL IN:

ALL ASSIGNMENTS:

• identifying characteristics inherent in forensic samples
• utilizing current laboratory equipment and techniques in the assigned discipline
• maintaining forensic quality assurance standards
• communicating in both written and verbal form
• organizing daily work, managing competing priorities, and following detailed instructions and protocols

ABILITY TO:

ALL ASSIGNMENTS:

• continually develop and advance expertise in the principles, practices, materials and equipment used in the assigned discipline
• learn the use and care of sophisticated equipment in the assignment area
• learn the tests, examinations and protocols required in the area of assignment
• learn the city, state, national, international, and/or departmental standards, laws, directives, and guidelines that apply to assignment area.
• learn the safe and proper handling of hazardous items, such as firearms, biological fluids, acids/bases, flammable liquids, that are encountered within the assignment area
• express ideas and facts clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
• distinguish colors and visually analyze analytical results, which may include color changes, pattern recognition, graphs, charts, tables, and other forms of electronic data
• perform standard tests and make accurate analyses, using quality control techniques
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and public
• understand and follow oral and written instructions
• maintain accurate records and prepare reports
• learn to testify effectively in court
• learn to operate a computer console to analyze results of tests or to perform calculations involved in the analysis of evidence
• successfully qualify as a forensic examiner, in a forensic laboratory and in the assigned discipline

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 12/23.)

EDUCATION:

            Completion of a bachelor's degree program, at an accredited college or university, with major course work in:

ASSIGNMENT:            DEGREES

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

1. CHEMISTRY

2. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

3. FORENSIC SCIENCE

4. BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

5. RELATED SCIENCE DEGREE

CHEMISTRY:          

1. CHEMISTRY

OR

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

1. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

2. FORENSIC SCIENCE

3. PHYSICAL OR NATURAL SCIENCE

4. APPLIED SCIENCE

5. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

CRIME SCENE

1. PHYSICAL, NATURAL, OR APPLIED SCIENCE

2. FORENSIC SCIENCE

3. ENGINEERING

4. COMPUTER SCIENCE/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

OR

5. CRIMINAL JUSTICE OR 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:

                                1.         COMPUTER FORENSICS

2.         COMPUTER SCIENCE/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

3.         DIGITAL FILMMAKING AND VIDEO PRODUCTION

4.         VISUAL EFFECTS AND MOTION GRAPHICS

5.         MEDIA STUDIES

6.         PHOTOGRAPHY

PATTERN

EVIDENCE:           

1. CHEMISTRY

2. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

3. FORENSIC SCIENCE

4. PHYSICAL OR NATURAL SCIENCE

5. APPLIED SCIENCE

6. ENGINEERING

NOTE: Employees in the Fingerprint Identification Specialist series of classes (6C12-6C14) with permanent Civil Service Status prior to September 17, 2014, and who had completed specific training courses listed below prior to September 17, 2014, will be waived from the degree requirement for the Pattern Evidence Specialty, Latent Print Assignment only.  Candidates must provide a certificate of completion issued by the certifying agency which includes their name, the course and the date of successful completion for any course listed below.

• FBI approved training courses:  Scientific Basics of Fingerprints, ACE V, History of Fingerprints, Latent Print Daubert Testimony Workshop, Courtroom Testimony Training
• Ron Smith & Associates (Denver, CO) approved training courses:  Introduction to the Science of Friction Ridge Examination, Essential Ridgeology Concepts

Candidates covered by this note who are appointed to this class are required to successfully complete the formal training program within the Office of Forensic Science to become qualified in Latent Prints within two years of appointment to the class.  Employees who do not successfully complete the Office of Forensic Science, Latent Print Unit Forensic Scientist Examiner Qualification Training Program within two years of appointment to the class will be demoted to their previous Civil Service position without any right to grieve or arbitrate the demotion.

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 one or more of the required degrees to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from the two highest-ranking eligible candidates on the eligible list who possess the specified degree.

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 as a Forensic Scientist 1 if required by work assignment.

Class Established: 11/85

Spec. Revisions:

CSC - 4/13

Ad. Board - 5/13

Spec Revisions:

CSC - 10/17

Ad. Board – 10/17

Spec Changes:

CSC – 2/23

Ad. Board – 3/23

Latest Spec. Changes:

CSC – 11/23

Ad. Board – 12/23

JA