CRIMINALIST Chemistry

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Crime Lab

Charlotte, NC

POSITION DESCRIPTION
This is a technical and advanced professional level laboratory position responsible for processing and
analyzing physical evidence related to controlled substances, blood alcohols and/or fire debris in an
ASCLD/LAB - International accredited crime laboratory.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK
Examines the following types of evidence: suspected drug evidence for the presence of controlled
substances, blood samples for alcohol content and/or fire debris for the presence of ignitable liquids;
Operates complex laboratory equipment and uses advanced laboratory techniques;
Generates detailed documentation related to all examinations; completes reports of results of
analyses and communicates results to appropriate department personnel;
Provides expert testimony relating to results of analyses; consults with and advises attorneys and
other law enforcement officials in forensic matters;
Performs quality assurance and quality control checks and conducts laboratory analyses in
accordance with laboratory procedures and ASCLD-LAB-International requirements;
Maintains safe conditions in the laboratory;
Provides assistance in the field to police and crime scene search personnel as needed.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK
Minimum of a Bachelor of Science or advanced degree from an accredited university with a major in
chemistry or in a natural science with a minimum of 30 hours of chemistry;
Minimum of three years of experience with casework in forensic chemistry and documented
proficiency in controlled substance testing, blood alcohol analysis and/or fire debris analysis,
preferably in an ASCLD/LAB-International or ISO/IEC 17025 accredited crime laboratory;
Knowledge of the principles, methods, equipment, and current techniques used in controlled
substance testing, blood alcohol analysis and/or fire debris testing;
Knowledge of the methods used in collecting and preserving physical evidence, maintaining legal
chain of custody and presenting such evidence in court as an expert witness;
Knowledge of Quality Control procedures, Quality Assurance principles; knowledge of ASCLD/LAB -
International and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements;
Ability to communicate effectively, to formulate and present ideas in an effective manner and to
create comprehensive understandable reports of findings;
Ability to follow oral and written procedures and policies and the ability to read and comprehend
authoritative directives, laws, and ordinances.

SALARY
$55,800 $62,365
Apply on-line at http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/HumanResources/Pages/default.aspx

CONTACTS
Matthew Mathis Lillian Ngong
Crime Laboratory Director Chief Criminalist Chemistry
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Phone (704)-353-1100 Phone (704)-353-1065
Email: mmathis@cmpd.org Email: lngong@cmpd.org