Criminalist I

Duties

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Performs a wide variety of physical and chemical analyses on questioned samples seized in connection with criminal investigations specifically related to pattern evidence examinations in the Pattern Evidence unit. This may involve conducting specialized crime scene processing tasks involving identification, documentation, collection, and preservation of physical evidence.
• Interprets and compiles analytical results and writes technical reports detailing these findings, which are forwarded to submitting agencies and introduced into evidence at criminal trials. Testifies to these findings as an expert witness in depositions and criminal trials and prepares court exhibits for presentation at trial.
• Employs specialized photographic equipment and techniques such as laser fluorescence illumination, oblique lighting and selective wavelength filtration in order to optimize the visualization and photographic reproduction of obscure latent impression evidence.
• Receives, inventories and records physical evidence submitted to the Forensic Laboratory and maintains strict legal accountability and custody of physical evidence to ensure its court admissibility.
• Operates the Tri-State and FBI Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) databases in both latent and ten-print searching capabilities.
• Maintains any applicable standard operating procedures and examination protocols that apply to the Pattern Evidence unit. Develops/validates new standard operating procedures and protocols as necessary.
• Provides training and technical advice to law enforcement personnel to improve their knowledge and skills in classification, processing and taking of pattern evidence.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Education:

• Possession of a Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university with major study in chemistry, biological sciences, or forensic science.
• Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

Experience:

• Two years' experience in chemistry, biological sciences or forensic laboratory duties.

License/Certification:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check in addition to a fingerprint-based criminal background check and motor vehicle record check.
• Must be able to achieve and maintain documented competency in the appropriate specialty area as required by the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard, the process by which is established in the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory protocols.

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