3H72

PAY RANGE: EP21***

FORENSIC SCIENTIST 3

(Biology)

(Chemistry)

(Digital Evidence)

(Pattern Evidence)

(Crime Scene)

GENERAL DEFINITION

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 specialties: Biology, Chemistry, Crime Scene, Digital Evidence, or Pattern Evidence. Positions allocated to the Pattern Evidence specialty are assigned to one of the following disciplines: Documents, Firearms/Toolmarks, or Latent Prints. 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 specialty 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.

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

Employees in this class must perform biology, chemistry, crime scene, digital evidence, or pattern evidence work at the advanced performance level with responsibility for providing basic instruction to junior examiners and trainees and assisting in the development of training materials.
Positions must be located in the Office of Forensic Science of the Philadelphia Police Department.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

ALL SPECIALTIES

· Performs the duties of a qualified examiner in the assigned specialty/assignment at the advanced performance level.

· Serves on interdisciplinary committees within the OFS.

· Collaborates with other experts in the OFS to ensure that all integrated examinations across disciplines are performed when required.

· May provide some interpretation of significance of findings during expert testimony on examinations in criminal trials.

· Provides basic instruction to junior examiners and trainees and assists in the development of training materials, while maintaining an active forensic caseload.

· As experience is gained, oversees small projects, research, or validation plans within the area of specialty.

· Follows evidence control procedures to maintain chain-of-evidence integrity; insures evidence is locked securely in designated locker or space before and after analysis.

· Operates computer consoles to analyze results of tests or to perform mathematical calculations involved in the analyses of evidence.

· Maintains data records; prepares reports.

· Communicates findings and conclusions with investigators and attorneys.

· Maintains compliance with all quality assurances standards for forensic accreditation.

· Checks instrumentation for validity and reliability against standards and recalibrates.

· Participates in research projects by performing routine tests.

· Provides training as needed and under the direction of a senior forensic scientist to forensic trainees, police staff, students, interns, or other members of the criminal justice community.

· Provides presentations in the field of specialty.

· Serves on interdisciplinary committees within the OFS

· Performs related work a required.

BIOLOGY SPECIALTY

Examines physical evidence for trace materials to be tested with presumptive and confirmatory procedures, including but not limited to, those for the presence of blood, semen, saliva, hair, and other biological material.

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; prepares samples for DNA analysis and/or outsourced specialty analyses.

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 and genetic analysis software; compares genetic profiles established from scene samples to genetic profiles established from reference samples.

Performs basic statistical calculations to determine frequencies of matching profiles and advanced statistical calculations to evaluate biological relationships associated with kinship.

Performs related work as required.

CHEMISTRY SPECIALTY

Collects and analyzes samples of liquid, solid, and gaseous materials, substances and compounds for qualitative and/or quantitative results; logs in samples in compliance with departmental and national forensic accreditation procedures.

Analyzes macroscopic and microscopic suspected substances for presence of illegal elements, by use traditional and instrumental chemistry techniques; identifies controlled substances, precursors, by products, and substances used for drug dilution; examines and identifies suspected drug paraphernalia; analyzes foodstuffs for the presence of drugs and poisons, and identifies possible poisons; analyzes urine for drug content and quantifies concentrations;

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.

Performs related work as required.

CRIME SCENE SPECIALTY

Documents evidence at crime scene by photographing, labeling, sketching, preserving latent prints and preparing detailed written reports; 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.

Processes crime scenes or evidence items with alternate lights, powders, or chemical or physical techniques to detect latent prints; lifts and preserves exposed latent fingerprints; photographs exposed latent prints; may collect reference fingerprints of suspects or others for comparison purposes.

Searches interiors, grounds and rooftops; collects and preserves physical evidence; detects and collects blood, semen, DNA and gunpowder samples; 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; collects fingerprints, nail scrapings, and other evidence from 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.

Provides factual and expert testimony in court; references documentation to present accurate depiction of crime scene, creates evidence exhibits for use in discovery and court presentation utilizing specialized software and various modeling materials to transform photographs and other evidence into presentations; discusses findings and conclusions with District Attorney, investigators, and other members of the criminal justice system as appropriate and authorized.

Maintains compliance with all quality assurances standards for forensic accreditation.

Provides presentations in the field of specialty to the department, criminal justice community, and general public as needed and authorized.

Performs related work as required.

DIGITAL EVIDENCE SPECIALTY

Maintains forensic evidence files in appropriate manner on departmental information systems; edits and redacts audio and video for release to media outlets or “Right to Know” requests; validates the originality and authenticity of digital evidence utilizing advanced techniques; determines the type, format, characteristics and proper playback method of digital files; extracts and examines metadata associated with files; captures or converts data from proprietary formats to universal file formats in a forensically sound manner; utilizes advanced techniques to correct color balance, adjust tonal values, aspect ratios, remove image noise or otherwise correct audible or visible distortions in digital media.

Forensically examines, clarifies or otherwise enhances digital media such as video images, still images, audio tracks and other related digital evidence; uses techniques and software to develop potential suspects from still or video images; prepares digital evidence for court exhibition in a manner that gives value to the evidence while maintaining its integrity; prepares official reports regarding the examination of digital evidence for the use of investigators and prosecutors; prepares job aids and bulletins for use by departmental staff in the handling and preservation of digital evidence.

Provides instruction and training regarding digital evidence; provides instruction and training to junior forensic examiners.

Performs related work as required.

PATTERN EVIDENCE SPECIALTY

Document Assignment

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.

Performs related work as required.

Firearms/Toolmarks Assignment

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.

Test fires weapons and performs safety checks.

Performs related work as required.

Latent Print Assignment

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 SPECIALTIES

· basic laboratory techniques and the techniques and equipment used in a forensic laboratory related to the specialty/assignment

· specific laboratory, and analytical, and interpretational protocols related to the procedures utilized in the PPD/OFS in the area of assignment

· forensic quality assurance practices

· city, state, national, international and departmental standards, laws, directives, and guidelines that apply to assignment area

· policies and procedures related to chain of custody

· policies and procedures related to expert testimony

· safety practices and procedures as they apply to a forensic laboratory related to the specialty

· research methods and techniques

· basic computer operations

· principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

· other forensic disciplines

BIOLOGY SPECIALTY

· 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 SPECIALTY

· the principles, methods, and practices of chemistry, in particular analytical chemistry

· mathematics and statistics as they relate to chemistry

· techniques and equipment used in a forensic chemistry laboratory

CRIME SCENE SPECIALTY

· 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 SPECIALTY

· 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, guidelines and best practices for the handling of digital evidence

· mathematics and statistics as they relate to digital multimedia evidence

PATTERN EVIDENCE SPECIALTY

· the principles of comparative analyses used in a forensic science laboratory for pattern evidence, specific to the area of assignment

· mathematics and statistics as they relate to forensic pattern evidence

· reference standards in relation to the area of assignment

SKILL IN:

ALL SPECIALTIES

· identifying characteristics inherent in forensic samples

· independently performing forensic analysis, according to established protocols as a qualified examiner in the area of specialty/assignment

· maximizing efficiencies and working progressively more complicated forensic cases.

· utilizing current laboratory equipment and techniques in the assigned discipline.

· maintaining forensic quality assurance standards

· safe and proper handling of laboratory equipment, reagents, and evidence to include items of a potentially hazardous nature

· communicating in both written and verbal form

· evaluating statistical data

· providing basic instruction to junior examiners and trainees

· providing guidance and training to customers, partners and the public in the area of specialty

· representing the PPD/OFS at both technical and non-technical events

DIGITAL EVIDENCE SPECIALTY

· applying advanced principles and practices of forensic still/video image and audio analysis

ABILITY TO:

ALL SPECIALTIES

· independently analyze forensic evidence in the area of specialization/assignment at the qualified examiner level

· perform technical reviews of analysis and reports

· prioritize work and meet deadlines

· enter and evaluate statistical data

· continually develop and advance expertise in the principles, practices, materials and equipment used in the assigned discipline

· use and maintain sophisticated equipment in the assignment area

· perform the tests, examinations and protocols required in the area of assignment

· 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

· testify effectively in court

· operate a computer console to analyze results of tests or to perform calculations involved in the analysis of evidence

· serve on inter-disciplinary working groups and/or committees within the OFS

· represent the PPD/OFS to both technical and non-technical audiences in a professional manner

· critically evaluate current protocols and policies, and offer constructive solutions for improvement and advancement of the OFS mission

· serve as a mentor and trainer to junior OFS staff

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 3/23.)

EDUCATION:

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

SPECIALTY: DEGREES

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

1. CHEMISTRY

2. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

3. FORENSIC SCIENCE

4. BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

5. RELATED SCIENCE DEGREE

AND

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:

1. CHEMISTRY

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

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. PHOTGRAPHY

PATTERN

EVIDENCE:

1. CHEMISTRY

2. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

3. FORENSIC SCIENCE

4. PHYSICAL OR NATURAL SCIENCE

5. APPLIED SCIENCE

6. ENGINEERING

CRIME SCENE AND PATTERN EVIDENCE SPECIALTIES 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.

AND

EXPERIENCE:

ALL SPECIALTIES

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 specialty/discipline.

NOTE: Employees in the Fingerprint Identification Specialist series of classes (6C12-6C14) with permanent Civil Service Status prior to September 17, 2014, who promoted to the Forensic Scientist 1 class, and who had completed a required specific training course as identified on the class specification prior to September 17, 2014, will be waived from the degree requirement for promotion to this class from the Forensic Scientist 2 class for the Pattern Evidence Specialty, Latent Print Assignment only.

NOTE: Candidates must provide documentation to support their qualification as a qualified 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:

1. A certificate or letter from an accredited forensic laboratory that details the area and date of qualification.

2. Proof of the laboratory’s accreditation from either ANAB or another ISO/IEC 17025 or 17020 forensic accrediting body.

3. 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.

4. 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.

NOTE: Employees must maintain status as a qualified Forensic Examiner during tenure of employment as a Forensic Scientist 3.

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 and/or specific experience to fill specific positions 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 degree and/or experience.

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 3 if required by work assignment.

Class Established:

Spec. Revisions: CSC: 4/13, Ad. Board: 5/13

Spec. Revisions: CSC - 9/14, Ad. Board - 11/14

Spec. Revisions: CSC – 5/16, Ad. Board – 6/16

Spec. Revisions: CSC - 10/17, Ad. Board - 11/17

Latest Spec. Revisions: CSC – 2/23; Ad. Board – 3/23