FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Criminalist

1. Where can I find information about or an application for the Crime Laboratory’s Criminalist position?

For information about the position, or to apply for an open position, please contact the San Diego County Department of Human Resources at 619-236-2191 or on the Internet at http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/hr/

2. What are the requirements to apply for a position as a Criminalist?

A person who applies for the Criminalist position must meet the following education requirements:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, or a closely related field, with completed course work consisting of at least eight (8) semester/twelve (12) quarter units of general chemistry and three (3) semester/four (4) quarter units of quantitative analysis.

In addition to these qualifications, a person pursuing an interest in the discipline of Forensic Biology or DNA must have completed the following:

Two (2) semester/three (3) quarter units of (each) molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics.

Candidates must also possess a valid California Class C driver’s license and must successfully pass a thorough background check (medical, drugs and criminal history).

3. What are the job duties and responsibilities of a Criminalist?

Criminalists are responsible for performing the following analyses (depending on forensic discipline):

• Chemical and biological tests to identify and analyze body fluids, tissues and various types of related matter
• DNA analysis
• Examination of physical evidence such as hair, fiber, soil, paint, glass, ignitable liquids and determination of physical, microscopic and compositional characteristics
• Analysis of drugs and narcotics
• Determination of alcohol content or drug levels in various materials
• Laboratory tests involving firearms and related materials
  

All Criminalists will be responsible for the interpretation of laboratory results through written reports and courtroom testimony.

4. Can I be a Criminalist and not testify?

No. It is the responsibility of the Criminalist to know the principles, methods and techniques of their particular scientific field and be able to effectively communicate this information to law enforcement personnel and in the courtroom.

5. Will I have to go to crime scenes if I become a Criminalist?

While this is a requirement or expectation at some forensic laboratories, not all Criminalists at the San Diego Sheriff’s Crime Lab respond to crime scenes. Currently, a Criminalist must first volunteer to be part of the crime scene investigation team. If he or she does volunteer, Laboratory management decides who will be part of the C.S.I. team based upon a number of factors, including proficiency in the Criminalist's forensic discipline, the level of training of the Criminalist in crime scene investigation techniques, and the overall impact on the Laboratory.

6. What is the difference between the Criminalist position and the Forensic Evidence Technician position?

The Criminalist is based in the laboratory where their primary responsibility is conducting laboratory analyses for a particular forensic discipline. Criminalists may report to a crime scene to apply their knowledge and the scientific principles needed to aid a crime scene investigation.
The Forensic Evidence Technician (FET) is based in the field processing crime scenes. It is the FET’s primary responsibility to report to crime scenes for documentation and evidence collection which aids in the crime scene investigation.
For more information on the Forensic Evidence Technician position please see the “FAQ for FETs.”

7. Other miscellaneous information about the Criminalist position.

In addition to extensive training within the Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory, Criminalists have many opportunities to receive training outside of the laboratory from various agencies, including the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Training includes access and exposure to various advanced laboratory methods and equipment. Criminalists may also be able to attend conferences throughout the United States.

The Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory places a heavy emphasis on customer service. Criminalists are often called upon by deputy sheriffs, investigators, and attorneys to give advice, training, and/or presentations about the type of work done in the laboratory.