3H40

PAY RANGE:  N25

FORENSIC LABORATORY SUPERVISOR

(Biology)

(Chemistry)(Pattern Evidence)

(Crime Scene)

(Digital Evidence)

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is supervisory forensic science work in a municipal law enforcement environment.  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 supervise forensic scientists and technicians assigned to one of the following disciplines:  Documents, Firearms/Toolmarks or Latent Prints. Employees in this class plan, assign, monitor and review the casework of a laboratory section that includes subordinate forensic scientists and program leaders, technicians and clerical support staff engaged in the analysis and chain of custody of forensic evidence including confiscated substances, organic or inorganic physical evidence, firearms/tool marks or DNA in support of criminal investigations, with responsibility for compliance to quality assurance policies and procedures.

This class is differentiated from the next lower level by responsibility for supervising a laboratory section. Work in each specialty includes implementing or adapting new or existing analysis and quality assurance procedures; analyzing and interpreting a variety of test data; Work includes preparing technical reports and ensuring that forensic examinations conform to quality assurance procedures.  Contact with law enforcement and court officials and providing expert testimony are significant aspects of the work. 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 general direction of an administrative or technical superior.

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

1. Positions in this class must be filled by a qualified forensic examiner, in an area of expert qualification directly related to the laboratory unit being supervised.
2. Positions in this class must supervise a laboratory section that includes subordinate forensic scientists and program leaders, technicians and clerical support staff engaged in the identification, documentation, preservation, and analysis of physical, biological, digital, and/or chemical substances in support of criminal investigations.
3. Positions in this class must be located in the Philadelphia Police Department’s Office of Forensic Science.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

ALL SPECIALTIES

            Plans, assigns and reviews the work of program leaders, forensic scientists, technicians and clerical staff conducting a wide variety of analytical and administrative procedures, research projects and related analyses in the area of technical specialty; functions as the lead forensic expert for a forensic science unit; plans and supervises, through a subordinate program leader, procedures for data collection and analysis, professional training and laboratory programs in the area of specialty; ensures work processes to meet performance goals.

Evaluates and selects scientific/technical approaches to analytical problems; develops and recommends testing methods and procedures for routine analyses involving scientific research or adaptation of existing methods; determines methods to be used in the operation of specialized equipment and instruments; establishes and  supervises the use of quality assurance methods to validate analytical data; directs and verifies the maintenance of laboratory sample logs for compliance with quality assurance and accreditation standards.

Supervises the implementation of a professional training program for the preservation, examination, handling and comparative analysis of forensic evidence in the area of specialty; trains or supervises training in quality assurance procedures, analytical methodology, safe usage of testing equipment, and procedures regarding chain of custody, admissibility of evidence and legal testimony; establishes training goals and timelines; documents trainee progress and reports program outcomes to an administrative or technical superior; adjusts trainee goals and recommends corrective actions as required; may direct or instruct college or postgraduate interns.

Supervises unit participation in internal and external audits; prepares and reviews reports including monthly and annual summaries of casework status and unit performance; makes recommendations and submits information or justifications for the annual laboratory budget as required; prepares statistical and technical reports on specialized subjects; reviews laboratory reports and data to ensure that laboratory and quality assurance procedures have been followed.

Researches professional journals and technical reports to identify new forensic analysis techniques and equipment; supervises and participates in the development of new techniques or adaptation of existing methods to specific analytical problems; attends seminars, demonstrations and related professional activities concerning advancements in the area of specialty.

May act on behalf of a Forensic Laboratory Manager and provide training to other units within the Philadelphia Police Department and outside agencies concerning the intake and analysis of evidence, reporting and interpretation of analysis results and determining the significance of results.

Testifies in court about forensic methodology in the area of specialty and specific analysis results; provides expert testimony on general or hypothetical questions and explains technical methods, procedures and other matters in the area of specialty to law enforcement, investigative, civilian and court personnel as required; prepares subordinates to provide expert testimony in court.

Supervises and participates in gathering physical, biological and chemical evidence at crime scenes; interacts with law enforcement, legal and other professionals regarding laboratory services and casework for an assigned laboratory unit.

Performs related work as required.

BIOLOGY SPECIALTY

Plans, assigns and reviews the examination of physical and biological 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.  Supervises the examination of biological evidence for the extraction, amplification, quantitation, and genetic typing of DNA; and the selection and preparation of samples for DNA analysis and/or outsourced specialty analysis; reviews the results of physical and biological analyses and/or the genetic profiles generated from biological samples, using validated molecular biology techniques, equipment and software, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), capillary electrophoresis techniques, and autosomal or Y-chromosome Short Tandem Repeat (STR) testing.

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

May supervise and review the issuance of scientific reports related to the analysis of trace and biological materials or DNA evidence.

CHEMISTRY SPECIALTY

 Supervises the examination of physical and chemical evidence for trace materials to be tested with presumptive and confirmatory procedures, including, but not limited to the collection and analysis of liquid, solid and gaseous materials, substances and compounds for quantitative and qualitative results.

Plans, assigns and reviews the analysis of macroscopic and microscopic substances for the presence of controlled substances; supervises the identification of controlled substances, precursors, by-products and substances used for drug dilution, the examination and identification of suspected drug paraphernalia and the analysis of foodstuffs for the presence of drugs and poisons.

Supervises the analysis of 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.

CRIME SCENE UNIT

Supervises examiners tasked with documentation of evidence at crime scene by photographing, labeling, sketching, preserving latent prints and preparing detailed written reports; measuring and drafting preliminary sketches of crime scene, photographing crime scene using digital, large format, video and 3D laser imaging; photographing specific items of evidence; developing and enlarging photographs taken at crime scene, utilizing software to enhance images to be used in court proceedings; may take aerial photographs and videos of crime scenes.       

Supervises the processing of crime scenes or evidence items with alternate lights, powders, or chemical or physical techniques to detect latent prints; lifting and preservation of exposed latent fingerprints; photographs of exposed latent prints; collection of reference fingerprints of suspects or others for comparison purposes.

Supervises the collection and preservation of physical evidence; detection and collection of blood, semen, DNA and gunpowder samples; utilization of metal detectors, portable magnets and forensic (alternate) light sources; making of tire, tool, footprint and other impressions with plaster, dental stone or silicone rubber; vacuuming and brushing of surfaces for residue evidence; taking of fingernail scrapings and hair samples and tests hands of victims or suspects for gunpowder residue; collection of fingerprints, nail scrapings, and other evidence from  cadavers at the morgue. 

Supervises examiners who will preserves, package and label all evidence collected; prepare property receipts and detailed reports of investigations and evidence gathered; use specialized computer software packages for processing evidence; prepare scale drawings utilizing specialized software of crime scene from rough sketch and measurements; cooperate with city, state and federal authorities in the investigation of crime scenes; drive police vehicle to and from crime scene; communicate 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

            Supervises forensic examiners tasked with forensic digital evidence assignments; analyzes forensic evidence files; 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; performs digital examinations and extractions of forensic evidence from cell phones and other media devices with accepted techniques and instruments; 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 advanced techniques and software to develop potential suspects from still / video images; uses advanced scientific techniques to calculate speed and direction and other motion vectors from video evidence; uses expert scientific techniques to calculate height, length, distance, and other measurements from image data. 

            Provides expert opinion on artifacts, anomalies and other inconsistencies that can commonly exist within digital audio/video; 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.

Performs related work as required.

PATTERN EVIDENCE SPECIALTY

Document Assignment

 Supervises the examination, classification and comparison of documents, papers, checks, stickers, impressions, handwriting and other related evidence and the utilization of advanced techniques to restore or visualize identifying marks and obliterated or altered evidence.

Develops, assigns and participates in research projects related to forensic document analyses.

            Performs related work as required.

Firearms/Toolmarks Assignment

Supervises the examination, identification, classification and comparison of firearms, weapons, ammunition, tools, toolmarks and other ballistics evidence; checks electronic databases and other files to determine if recovered weapons have a previous record of being stolen or wanted as evidence; conducts ballistics tests and calculations for interior, exterior, terminal and forensic ballistics studies; supervises and may participate in the preparation of reports on examinations of evidence.

            Supervises the use of advanced techniques to restore identifying marks or serial numbers; supervises comparative analysis of bullets and cartridge cases using various comparison microscopes and documentation of findings; oversees the test firing and safety checking of weapons.

Performs related work as required.

Latent Prints Assignment

Supervises the examination and classification of incoming fingerprint impression evidence; data entry of work received into a computerized tracking program; evaluation and entry of suitable latent prints into an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) for searching; usage of AFIS results to pull files for manual comparison; and decisions of individualization based on ACE-V scientific methodology.

            Develops, assigns, and participates in research projects related to latent print analyses.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

ALL SPECIALTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS

• laboratory management principles including the selection of equipment, assignment of personnel, and determination of work priorities
• basic and advanced principles, practices and procedures of forensic laboratory testing and analysis
• analytical methods, techniques and interpretation as it relates to conducting criminal investigations
• mathematics and statistics as they relate to forensic science, including the statistical analysis of scientific data in the area of specialty
• the rules of evidence and methods of presenting evidence and expert testimony in court
• policies and procedures related to chain of custody
• forensic quality assurance standards, practices, and research methods
• safety and quality assurance practices and procedures applicable to work performed in  a forensic science laboratory
• specific laboratory analytical and interpretational protocols related to the procedures utilized in the area of specialty and/or assignment
• guidelines, procedures and regulations from the National Research Council, Scientific/Technical Working Group(s), ISO standards and any other relevant city, state, national or international forensic standards, and implementation of the recommendation(s) within the laboratory environment
• national accreditation standards for forensic science and related disciplines
• principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects
• current literature, research and trends applicable to the area of specialty
• research methods and techniques applicable to the area of specialty
• the operation and maintenance of complex instrumentation
• the application of information systems used for forensic analyses, data analyses and report generation

BIOLOGY SPECIALTY

• basic and advanced principles of biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry and forensic science
• forensic analysis techniques for biological and physical substances including, but not limited to blood, body fluids, fibers, glass, hair, paint, arson accelerators and gunshot residue
• DNA analysis techniques for the isolation, identification and genetic characterization of body fluids such as Short Tandem Repeat, Polymerase Chain Reaction technologies and electrophoresis
• principles, methods and techniques used in electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-Ray analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, digital photography and microscopy as related to criminal investigations
• the combined DNA Indexing System (CODIS)
• principles, practices and techniques of comparison testing varied organic and inorganic substances
• biology as it applies to drug analysis
• current technical developments and national standards for forensic DNA analysis

CHEMISTRY SPECIALTY 

• basic and advanced principles of chemistry, analytical chemistry and forensic science
• forensic analysis techniques for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of organic and inorganic substances.
• the identification of commonly seized controlled substances, with emphasis on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of drugs, precursors and by-products of synthesis
• modern and standard instrumentation techniques applicable to the analysis of commonly seized controlled and non-controlled substances including chromatography, infrared and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis
• the principles of analytical chemistry, with emphasis on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of drugs and/or other related organic compounds.
• related areas of chemistry and other physical sciences, such as drug toxicology as applied to analytical chemistry.
• local, state and federal legislation related to forensic drug analysis
• procedures for maintaining the integrity and chain of custody of drug evidence
• current technical developments and quality assurance standards for the forensic analysis of drug evidence

CRIME SCENE SPECIALTY

· the principles of science, technology, and investigations 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 

All Assignments

• basic and advanced principles of comparative analyses used in a forensic science laboratory for pattern evidence, related to the area of assignment
• forensic analysis techniques and protocols related to the area of assignment, including basic and advanced techniques and equipment used for microscopic comparative analysis
• reference standards in relation to the area of specialty or assignment

Firearms/Tool Marks Assignment

• advanced analysis techniques for the restoration of firearm serial numbers and the determination of shooting distances
• makes, models and characteristics of domestic and foreign firearms and ammunition
• safe operation and handling for firearms and ammunition, including semi-automatic and automatic firearms
• the principles and practices of firearm comparison
• chemical restoration procedures as related to firearms/toolmarks
• local, state and national laws governing firearms

ABILITY TO:

ALL SPECIALTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS

• plan, direct and review the casework of forensic scientists and technicians in the area of specialty or assignment
• supervise, instruct and advise subordinate personnel in the use of laboratory equipment
• train personnel in current procedures, techniques and standards
• prioritize casework and resource requirements
• plan and direct program activity in the area of specialty and/or assignment to achieve quality assurance objectives, prioritize work and meet deadlines
• present expert testimony in court and convey the interpretation of forensic analyses to law enforcement and court personnel in a clear, concise and understandable manner
• perform forensic analyses and examinations as required
• simplify, improve, adapt and standardize analytical problem solving methods
• express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
• develop new methods and adapt them to established methods of analytical chemistry or other forensic disciplines
• prepare scientifically accurate and comprehensive reports detailing the findings of laboratory analyses
• operate and accurately interpret results of forensic instrumentation and/or laboratory equipment applicable to the area of specialty
• distinguish colors and visually evaluate analytical results including color changes, pattern recognition, graphs, tables, electronic data and other types of information
• read and interpret instrumentation schematics and service manuals
• use data processing systems and software to conduct forensic analysis
• learn the applications of data processing systems and specialized programming languages for use in the interpretation of forensic analysis results
• continually develop and advance expertise in the principles, best practices, equipment and standards applicable to the specialty area
• learn and apply current federal, state and municipal legislative procedures and court decisions regarding forensic sciences
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, consultants, contractors, governmental regulatory agencies, legal professionals and the general public
• determine the proper analytical test or procedures for use in conducting  forensic  analysis

CHEMISTRY SPECIALTY

• deduce the product of drug laboratory processes from collected substances and paraphernalia.

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 course work in:

SPECIALTY: DEGREES

BIOLOGY:     Any of the following degrees, including the completion of 3 credits in EACH of the following courses:  molecular biology, genetics, 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

OR

Any of the following degrees with a minimum of 24 credit 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.

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

ALL SPECIALTIES

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

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

AND

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:

One year of forensic science work as a qualified examiner, equivalent to a Forensic Scientist 4, with responsibility for developing and overseeing scientific programs within a specialized unit or an interdisciplinary program in the area of specialization, at an accredited federal, state or municipal forensic laboratory.

PATTERN EVIDENCE SPECIALTY ONLY:

NOTE: The following experience satisfies the minimum training and experience requirements:

            Four years of forensic experience in the Philadelphia Police Department or another accredited forensic science laboratory, in a sub-discipline of pattern evidence (firearms, latent prints or document examinations

AND

Five years of the above experience as a qualified forensic examiner, one year of which shall have been equivalent to a Forensic Scientist 4, or a forensic supervisory class.  Initial qualification must have been completed by July 31, 2014. Documentation of qualification as a forensic examiner must be provided at time of application. See below for details.

City classes that typically meet these requirements include: Police Firearms Laboratory Supervisor (6C07), Fingerprint Identification Supervisor (6C14) and Police Identification Services Manager (6C15).

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. Documentation for positions in the Pattern Evidence Specialty being filled by utilizing the note above must be provided at the time of application.

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  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 Laboratory Supervisor.

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 Laboratory Supervisor if required by work assignment.

Class Established - 6/53

Revision & Consolidation with 3H46: CSC - 07/99; Ad Board - 08/99

Spec. Revision: CSC - 10/03; Ad. Board - 01/04

Spec. Revision: CSC- 2/14; Ad Board- 3/14

Spec. Revision - CSC- 9/14; Ad Board- 11/14

Latest Spec. Revision – CSC – 2/23; Ad Board- 3/23

SA