Criminalist

Duties:

• Responsible for performing physical and chemical analysis on such evidence as alcohol, arson accelerants, drugs, blood and body fluids, firearms, projectiles, fingerprints, footprints, paint and glass fragments, and other physical evidence which may be submitted to the laboratory.
• Responsible for drug analysis. Counts, weighs, describes, and reports all evidence for drug analysis. Analyses samples using a series of chemical and instrumental tests, including gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, infrared spectrophotometry, and ultraviolet spectrophotometry.
• Responsible for alcohol analysis. Performs alcohol analysis using the gas chromatography headspace method, which is an instrumental technique to compare an unknown sample with a known sample. Analyzes results of the mathematical ratio to determine amount of alcohol in the sample.
• Responsible for arson analysis. Determines whether the article contains an accelerant such as gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid. Obtains a sample from the article by injecting solvent into the gas chromatograph; this process will match the unknown sample with a known sample and either identify the flammable liquid or eliminate them.
• Responsible for crime scene investigation. Investigates a variety of crime scenes, usually immediately after the event has occurred. Collects evidence from crime scene, such as photographing the scene, processing fingerprints, and evaluating potential evidence. Photographs, records, collects, and transports evidence to the crime lab for further scientific examination.
• Responsible for toxicological analysis. Examines body fluids and other collected substances to ascertain the presence of drugs or chemicals. Utilizes a chemical extraction technique and confirms the analysis of the instrumental technique of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Testifies in courts of law as to the validity of the results.
• Responsible for analysis of sexual assault kits and clothing. Employs chemical and microscopic techniques and utilizes an alternate light source to determine the presence of physical evidence. Inspects clothing in sexual assault cases. Analyzes hairs and fibers with a compound or comparison microscope.
• Responsible for blood/biological determination and typing. Analyzes chemically and electrophoretically blood and biological stains to determine the type of the stain. Determines blood type of human bloodstains and biological stains through the techniques of absorption elution, absorption inhibition, and electrophoresis. Calculates and reports blood typing results in accordance with population statistics.
• Responsible for examination of trace evidence. Analyzes trace evidence using a compound or comparison microscope. Compares evidence based upon the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics between samples. Performs chemical analysis to determine the identity of the sample.
• Responsible for firearm examinations and comparison. Examines firearms and records information on condition, type, and safety. Examines bullets with microscope. Examines the clothing of victims and suspects for gunshot residue.
• Responsible for fingerprint development and comparison. Examines and evaluates latent fingerprints with contrasting powder, chemicals, and/or alternative light sources. Lifts and photographs fingerprints, and visually compare fingerprints to other known sources.
• Prepares and maintains records and reports that delineate the duties of the job.
• Must be available after normal laboratory hours in the event such services are required.
• Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the analytical instrumentation and other equipment used in the laboratory.
• Gives testimony in courts of law regarding evidence handled by the crime laboratory. Responsible for preparing and consulting the prosecuting attorneys in matters of forensic science.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in forensic chemistry or forensic science (in lieu of a forensic science degree, must have at least a four year degree in a scientific discipline with two years experience in a crime lab); prior crime laboratory experience is highly desirable; or an equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Completion of law enforcement training and certification under the Ohio Peace Officers Training Program.
• Possession of a Laboratory Directors Permit for Blood Alcohol Analysis issued by the Ohio Department of Health, and a Senior Operators Permit for Breath Alcohol Testing issued by the Ohio Department of Health.
• Commissioned as a Special Deputy from Stark County Sheriff.
• Possession of a valid Ohio Driver's License.

Unique Requirements/Physical Requirements:

• Knowledge of crime laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of analytical organic and inorganic chemistry, including qualitative and quantitative analysis and the use of chemical instrumentation.
• Knowledge of photography and the use of photographic equipment.
• Ability to testify as an expert witness on the examination of physical evidence.
• Ability to prepare technical and administrative reports.
• Ability to analyze situations and develop workable solutions.
• Ability to present ideas effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Elected Officials, department heads, City employees, other agencies, and the general public.

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