Criminalist I (SR-20)

Performs a variety of standard physical, chemical, instrumental and microscopic analyses of evidence in connection with crime detection and law enforcement work; assists with more complex investigations and studies, and with assigned phases of research projects; and performs other related duties as required.
 
Distinguishing Characteristics:
 
This class differs from the Criminalist II in that the Criminalist I performs moderately complex work concerned with physical, chemical , instrumental and microscopic analyses of evidence in accordance with prescribed  standards, methods and techniques , whereas the Criminalist II independently performs the full range and variety of work in connection with physical, chemical, instrumental  and microscopic analyses of evidence, requiring judgment  in selection of methods, techniques and instrumentation.
 
Classes in this series differ from classes in the Police Evidence and Identification Technician series in that the Criminalist classes are primarily concerned with the physical, chemical, instrumental and microscopic analyses of evidence in connection with crime detection and law enforcement activities; whereas classes in the Police Evidence and Identification Technician series are primarily concerned with the search, recovery, preservation, and marking of physical evidence at crime scenes.
 
Classes in this series differ from classes in the Chemistry series in that the Criminalist classes are primarily concerned with the physical , chemical, instrumental and microscopic analyses of evidence in connection with crime detection and law enforcement activities; whereas classes in the Chemistry series are primarily concerned with the chemical analyses of water samples and waterworks materials and substances.The following are examples of duties and are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class. The omission of specific duties statements does not preclude management from assigning such duties if such duties are a logical assignment for the position.

• Examines and analyzes a variety of physical and chemical substances, materials, liquids and other evidence in accordance with prescribed standards, methods, and techniques;
• Conducts standardized 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;
• Examines and analyzes drugs such as marijuana and hashish;
• Conducts color screening reagent tests for hard narcotics such as heroin, cocaine, amphetamines and barbiturates;
• Assists with the conduct of ballistics including the preparation of ammunition for selected test-firings such as primer shotgun cartridges;
• Mounts specimens for comparison purposes, restores defaced serial numbers on weapons with etching solutions, and records and catalogues test-fired bullets and casings;
• Conducts the more routine microscopic examinations and comparisons of organisms and samples;
• Visits scene of crime to assure proper recovery and preservation of evidence and renders assistance to investigating officers;
• Prepares reagents and performs routine maintenance of laboratory equipment;
• Appears in court to provide testimony as an expert witness regarding evidence processed;
• Maintains custody of urine specimens for Department's drug testing program;
• Prepares alcohol solutions for various types of breath testing instruments;
• Prepares reports of investigations and analyses conducted;
• Compiles supply list for reagents and supplies for the laboratory;
• Keeps abreast of technical developments in the field of crime detection and criminalistics.

Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field, and one (1) year of laboratory work experience involving a variety of chemical analyses.
 
License Requirement: Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver’s license (equivalent to State of Hawaii, Type 3).
 
Knowledge of:  The principles or 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; common drugs, poisons and narcotics; uses and care of laboratory instruments and equipment.
 
Ability to: Conduct standard chemical and microscopic examinations , use 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 findings; explain results of tests, understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
 
Health and Physical Condition:
 
Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for performance of the duties.
 
Physical Effort Grouping:  Light

Special Working Conditions: Occasional exposure to obnoxious conditions as required.