The mission of the New York City Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in New York City by working in partnership with the community to enforce the law, preserve peace, protect the people, reduce fear, and maintain order. The New York City Police Department strives to foster a safe and fair City through the strategic deployment of resources, focusing on both crime prevention and addressing quality-of-life concerns while building lasting community relationships.
The Police Laboratory analyzes evidence that is submitted related to crime. The evidence may be firearms, controlled substances, clothing or anything that may be deemed probative to the determination of the events and persons at a crime scene. After the evidence is analyzed, the resultant paperwork must be scanned and submitted to the various District Attorney's offices in the anticipation of possible use during a trial. Some of the work has time constraints because of the needs of the courts.
The Police Laboratory is seeking qualified candidates for Criminalist 1A/1B positions. Candidates selected will be assigned to the Police Laboratory to receive training for and the performance of scientific laboratory analyses, and the testing of evidentiary material required in scientific criminal and civil investigations.
Duties may include, but will not be limited to the following:
- Perform chemical, physical, and microscopic analyses/examinations on a wide range of evidence, such as gunshot residue, gunshot pattern, accelerants, questioned documents, controlled substance and drug identification, metals, toolmarks, explosives, imprints, impressions, plastics, paint, glass, fingerprint development, fire debris analysis, and other types of trace and forensic evidence analyses/comparisons.
- Train in routine repairs and preventive maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment and analytical instruments
- Research and be trained in proper laboratory standards and quality control procedures
- Review books, journals, and technical manuals
- Assemble data and prepare reports
CRIMINALIST - 21849
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, with specialization in criminalistics, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, molecular genetics, genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology, anthropology, ecology or a closely related scientific or engineering field.
2. For Assignment to Assignment Level I - B
In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements For All Assignment Levels" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level I-B individuals must have at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience in criminalistics, forensic science or analytic chemistry, or a satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.
3. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" above, to be assigned to Assignment Level II, individuals must have one of the following:
1. One year of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B; or 2. One additional year of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of two years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling two years of experience as described above.
4. In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level III, individuals must have one of the following:
1. Two years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B and/or II; or 2. Two additional years of qualifying experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of three years of such experience; or 3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling three years of experience as described above.
5. For Assignment to Assignment Level IV
In addition to meeting the "Qualification Requirements" for Assignment Level I-B above, to be assigned to Assignment Level IV, individuals must have one of the following:
1. Three years of experience gained as a Criminalist at Assignment Level I-B, II, and /or III; or 2. Three additional years of experience in criminalistics or forensic science, for a total of four years of such experience; or
3. A satisfactory combination of education and experience totaling four years of experience, as described above.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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