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Job Description

CRIME LABORATORY ADMINISTRATOR

JOB CODE 62450

Effective Date:	Rev. 07/05A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to plan, develop, manage, and administer the Police Department's Laboratory Services Bureau. General supervision is exercised over the work of professional and supervisory Forensic Scientists and other assigned personnel. The incumbent is responsible for preparation of the bureau budget. Wide latitude is granted for independent judgment in the performance of duties. Performance is evaluated by the Assistant Chief of Police on the basis of results obtained.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Administers all aspects of the Laboratory Services Bureau and all forensic science operations;
• Supervises and reviews the work of section supervisors engaged in the analyses and evaluation of physical evidence;
• Oversees the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) certification of the crime laboratory and compliance with all technical standards associated with a modern, state-of-the art forensic science laboratory.
• Plans laboratory facility, equipment, staffing, and training to meet future needs;
• Oversees the preparation and maintenance of laboratory records and reports;
• Coordinates interagency and interdepartmental activities involving laboratory operations;
• Acts as a technical advisor to the Police Department;
• Reviews and evaluates analyses and examinations performed in the laboratory;
• Oversees chemical tests and analyses of a wide variety of substances;
• Plans and supervises the toxicological, photographic, and microscopic examinations, plus other types of scientific examinations of physical evidence;
• Prepares the bureau budget and develops long-term planning and goals;
• Gives expert testimony in court to explain the results of laboratory findings in technical and lay terms;
• Directs and participates in the reconstruction of crime scenes in order to provide connections of persons, instruments, and materials to the crime;
• Participates in the direction of crime scene search units;
• Analyzes and evaluates new cases and determines methods of laboratory procedures;
• Determines scientific examinations and tests required in consultation with detectives;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices of criminal investigation and forensic science.
• Analytical procedures associated with toxicology, criminalistics, fingerprints, questioned documents, ballistics, controlled substances, or related forensic sciences.
• Modern principles and practices underlying the development of a modern crime laboratory program.
• Budgetary procedures, personnel and management regulations and standards.
• Laws pertaining to the collection, preservation, analysis, and presentation of physical evidence.

Ability to:

• Make verbal presentations to the City Council, City management and Police management.
• Plan, administer, and supervise a modern, state-of-the art forensic science laboratory.
• Manage all aspects of human resources in a multi-disciplinary lab setting.
• Observe, compare, or monitor objects, data, and people's behavior to determine compliance with prescribed operating and safety standards.
• Comprehend and make inferences from material written in the English language.
• Produce written documents in English with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Prepare, present, and administer a comprehensive budget and strategic plan for lab operations.
• Coordinate all aspects of lab operations with other Police Department divisions and the court system.
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Appointments to positions in the Police Department are subject to appropriate polygraph and background standards.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individual must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Ten years of progressively responsible experience in a forensic laboratory, including three years at the supervisory level, and a bachelor's degree in a natural science, criminalistics, or a related field. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.