About This Role
Leading scientific examinations of physical evidence in crime investigations is the core of this technical specialist role within the Chicago Police Department's Forensic Laboratory. The position involves supervising staff, performing complex evaluations, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the receipt, collection, and preservation of physical evidence submitted to the Forensic laboratory associated with criminal investigations
- Distribute and monitor staff work assignments for completeness and accuracy
- Write and draft discipline-specific policies, procedures, and methods
- Perform independent casework and evaluations in a primary forensic discipline
- Perform complex evaluations and testing by applying scientific principles to identify and classify items received in the laboratory (e.g., hair, skin, tissues, blood, bones, bullets, shells, weapons, etc.)
- Conduct and oversee the chemical analyses of evidentiary materials (e.g., blood, fibers, tool marks, body fluids, etc.)
- Analyze chemical and physical substances, materials, liquids, or other physical evidence and prepare chemical reagents within assigned forensic discipline
- Identify and reach scientific conclusions supported by data and observations
- Oversee and prepare reports or presentations of findings, methods, and techniques used to support conclusions and prepare results for court or other formal hearings
- Maintain compliance with accreditation standards, laboratory and departmental protocol and procedures
- Prepare reports for inclusion in grant applications
- Train Forensic Scientists in a specialized forensic discipline including procedures, practices, and methods (e.g., develop and administer competency and proficiency tests, evaluate work performance; and develop individualized training programs, identify corrective and preventive action plans)
- Evaluate and recommend new equipment and laboratory processes
- Testify as an expert witness in court on evidence and crime laboratory techniques at the local, state and federal levels
- Perform audits of evidence storage and chain of custody for evidence in the laboratory and of chemicals, equipment, and laboratory supplies
- Generate statistical, activity, and performance reports and metrics
- Evaluate, identify, recommend and order new equipment and laboratory supplies
- Stay abreast of advancements in the field (e.g., attending conferences, workshops, and training programs)
About the Company
The City of Chicago operates a Police Department with a Bureau of Detectives and Forensic Services Division.
