Criminalist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established May 28, 1972

Scope

This series specification describes four Criminalist classes used by the Department of Justice. These classes are used for positions that conduct, supervise and provide training in connection with complex technical laboratory analyses with respect to the identification of criminals and investigation of crimes.

Definition of Series

Criminalists conduct examinations of crime scenes for physical evidence, and in complex cases make all types of chemical analyses such as alcohol determinations, toxicological analyses of foods and body viscera and fluids; test for�drugs and explosives, and various types of microchemical tests; make the difficult microscopic, chemical, and serological tests on blood and other physiological fluid stains; identify and compare hair, fibers, soil, paint, glass, building materials and other substances in forensic cases; make visual, microscopic and other technical examinations and comparisons of tool marks, firearms and other weapons, bullets, cartridge cases and ammunition; make casts; make and develop photographs and photomicrographs using black and white�and color films; use complex measuring, recording and testing instruments and devices; prepare evidence and exhibits and testify in court as expert witnesses; assist local law enforcement officers and prosecutors in analyzing and interpreting evidence; write reports and correspondence; give instruction in this field at peace officer training schools; and provide forensic research, application, advanced casework, methodology development, and training to State and/or local forensic scientists and law enforcement agencies.

Definition of Levels

Criminalist

This is the entry, training and subjourney level for the series. Under general direction, Criminalists will perform routine and less complex technical laboratory analyses and assist higher level Criminalists in the examination of crime scenes and in the scientific investigation of crimes.

Senior Criminalist

This is the full journey level of the series. Incumbents are assigned to the more complex Criminalist analyses. They may act as leadpersons to coordinate the work of lower level Criminalists. Incumbents may also be assigned to provide training, application, methodology development, and research related to the field of criminalistics.

Criminalist Supervisor

This is the working supervisor level where incumbents are responsible for directing the work of a minimum of four Criminalists and/or laboratory technicians/assistants within: (1) a field office engaged in various criminalistic disciplines, (2) the California Criminalistic Institute engaged in organizing and providing forensic research, application, advanced casework, training and methodology development in one specialized criminalistic discipline, or (3) a forensic laboratory engaged in independent research as well as the design and direction of complex research projects and training programs. Staff at this level may also be assigned the most difficult advanced forensic casework and courtroom testimony with wide discretion and independence of action.

Criminalist Manager

Plans, organizes and directs the criminalistic program in an assigned area of the State. Incumbents at this level must supervise two or more Criminalist Supervisors. May also direct complex and sensitive forensic science projects which have a significant impact on the Bureau or the field of criminalistics.

Minimum Qualifications

Criminalist

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in one of the physical or biological sciences, including the equivalent of eight semester hours of general chemistry and three semester hours of quantitative analysis. Registration as a senior in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the examination but they must produce proof of graduation or its equivalent before they are eligible for appointment. Candidates who have graduated from college with a major in one of the physical or biological sciences, including the eight semester hours of general chemistry, but do not possess the three semester hours of quantitative analysis will be admitted to the examination, but they must produce proof of completion of the three semester hours of quantitative analysis before they are eligible for appointment.

Senior Criminalist

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Criminalist, Range C.

Or II

Experience: Four years of professional experience beyond the trainee level in a physical or biological science laboratory setting performing the duties of a chemist, biochemist or a related position. This experience must have included at least two years as a Criminalist having independent responsibility for making quantitative and qualitative analyses. (One year of postgraduate education in one of the physical or biological sciences may be substituted for one year of the required general experience.) Experience in California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least two years performing the duties of a Criminalist, Range C. and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in one of the physical or biological sciences, including the equivalent of eight semester hours of general chemistry and three semester hours of quantitative analysis.

Or III

Experience: Four years of professional experience in a physical or biological science laboratory setting performing independent research related to Forensic Science. (Possession of a master's degree in a physical or biological science may be substituted for one year of experience and possession of a Ph.D. in a physical or biological science for two years of the required experience.) Experience in California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least two years performing the duties of a Criminalist, Range C. and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in one of the physical or biological sciences, including the equivalent of eight semester hours of general chemistry and three semester hours of quantitative analysis.

Criminalist Supervisor

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Senior Criminalist.

Or II

Experience: Broad and extensive (more than five years) of professional experience in a physical or biological science laboratory setting performing the duties of�a chemist, biochemist or a related position. (One year of postgraduate education in one of the physical or biological sciences may be substituted for one year of the required general experience.) Experience in�California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least one year performing the duties of a Senior Criminalist. and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in one of the physical or biological sciences, including the equivalent of eight semester hours of general chemistry and three semester hours of quantitative analysis.

Or III

Experience: Broad and extensive (more than five years) of professional experience in a physical or biological science laboratory setting performing independent research related to Forensic Science. (Possession of a master's degree in a physical or biological science may be substituted for one year of experience and possession of a Ph.D. in a physical or biological science may be substituted for two years of the required experience.) Experience in California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least one year performing the duties of a Senior Criminalist. and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in one of the physical or biological sciences, including the equivalent of eight semester hours of general chemistry.

Criminalist Manager

Either I

One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Criminalist Supervisor.

Or II

Experience: Broad and extensive (more than five years) of professional experience in a physical or biological science laboratory setting performing the duties of�a chemist, biochemist or a related position. This experience must have included at least two years as a supervising criminalist. (One year of postgraduate education in one of the physical or biological sciences may be substituted for one year of the required general experience.) Experience in California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least one year performing the duties of a Criminalist Supervisor. and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in one of the physical or biological sciences, including the equivalent of eight semester hours of general chemistry and three semester hours of quantitative analysis.

Or III

Experience: Broad and extensive (more than five years) of professional experience in a physical or biological science laboratory setting performing�independent research related to Forensic Science. This experience must have included at least two years in the design and direction of scientific research. This experience must also have included at least two years of supervision. (Possession of a master's degree in a physical or biological science may be substituted for one year of general experience and possession of a Ph.D. in a physical or biological science may be substituted for two years of the required general experience.) Experience in California state service applied to this requirement must include at least one year performing the duties of a Criminalist Supervisor. and

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a major in one of the physical or biological sciences, including the equivalent of eight semester hours of general chemistry.

Knowledge and Abilities

All Levels:

Knowledge of: Scientific methods and techniques used in examining crime scenes; tests for the identity and comparison of blood and physiological fluids; tests for explosives and flammable materials; toxicological analyses; tests of hair and fibers, glass, soil, paint, and similar materials, and equipment necessary to conduct these tests; modern methods and techniques in�investigations of major crimes; current trends in toxicology, general chemistry and microchemistry; modern types of small arms and the techniques of�conducting all types of firearms, bullet, and tool mark comparisons; methods used in the examination of documents in criminal cases; photographic and photomicrographic principles and practices as applied to Criminalists; chromatographic techniques.

Ability to: Make extensive use of scientific methods and techniques at the scene of a crime; make effective use of microscopes, spectrograph, infrared and ultra-violet spectrophotometer, and gas chromatograph; use micro methods for determining physical constants such as refractive index and density; recognize the need for and develop and evaluate new test methods and procedures; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; conduct applied research to develop and validate state-of-the-art evidence examination�techniques; testify effectively in court; instruct law enforcement and�forensic personnel in criminalistics; prepare course outlines and lesson plans which will satisfy the requirements set forth by the Commission on Peace�Officers' Standards and Training (POST).

Criminalist Supervisor

Criminalist Manager

Knowledge of: Department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the�processes available to�meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: Effectively contribute to the Department's affirmative action objectives.

Drug Testing Requirement

Applicants for positions in this class series are required to pass a drug screening test.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Tact, patience, and keenness of observation.

Class History