Criminalist I

Duties

Examples of Duties

• Examines and analyzes a variety of physical and chemical substances, materials, liquids and other evidence in accordance with prescribed standards, methods and techniques.
• Conducts chemical and physical laboratory tests to determine characteristics or composition of solid, liquid, or gaseous materials and substances using standard laboratory equipment and instruments.
• Conducts routine serological tests to determine blood type, origin and chemistry.
• Conducts examinations and analyses of narcotics, drugs, poison.
• Assists with firearm and ammunitions test firings.
• Mounts specimens for comparisons purposes.
• Conducts defaced serial number restorations using a variety of techniques.
• Conducts latent fingerprint examinations and development using a variety of techniques.
• Conducts routine microscopic examinations and comparisons on evidence samples.
• May report to a crime scene to recover and preserve evidence; and render assistance to investigating officers.
• Prepares reports of investigations and analyses conducted; and maintains report files.
• Prepares reagents and performs routine laboratory maintenance duties.
• Compiles supply list for reagents and supplies for the laboratory.
• Appears in court to testify as an expert witness regarding evidence processed.
• Keeps abreast of technical developments in the field of forensics and criminalistics.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Training and Experience
A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree (scan and attach a copy of your official college transcript to your application), and
• one (1) year of laboratory work experience involving a variety of chemical analyses, and
• must be qualified to carry and/or possess firearm or ammunition in accordance with State and Federal laws, e.g., no misdemeanor or felony domestic violence conviction, and
• possession of a valid State of Hawai‘i driver's license (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver’s license at time of filing. (You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire.)

Knowledge of

• The principles of general, inorganic, and analytical chemistry, the methods and techniques of chemical laboratory analysis, laboratory procedures and practices; general principles, techniques and terminology used in physical and chemical diagnoses of substances; narcotics, drugs and poisons; uses and care of laboratory instruments and equipment.

Ability to

• Conduct standard chemical and microscopic examinations, use of standard laboratory instruments and equipment;
• Analyze and interpret results of examinations and comparisons;
• Learn to analyze a variety of substances including blood, blood stains, human exudates and excretion, drugs and narcotics;
• Learn to process latent prints;
• Learn to take casts of impressions at the scene of a crime;
• Learn to conduct ballistic tests;
• Keep records and prepare reports of laboratory procedures, observations and finding;
• Explain results of tests;
• Testify in court;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Physical Requirements

• Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Examination

• All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points. An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Special Working Conditions

• Irregular work hours, shift work, and occasional exposure to obnoxious conditions.

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