Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes a good Forensic Scientist?
A good forensic scientist is one who has a strong understanding of scientific principles, can follow standard operating procedures well, has high attention to detail, is unbiased, and is able to effectively communicate their work in a manner that the average person can understand.
2. What is the structure of the NYSPCLS?
The New York State Police Crime Laboratory System (NYSPCLS) provides forensic support services to all criminal justice agencies throughout the state. There are four laboratory locations. The headquarters laboratory is located in Albany. Three satellite laboratories located in Olean, Port Crane, and New Windsor. The NYSPCLS is composed of both sworn and non-sworn personnel, who operate in tandem to analyze forensic evidence and uphold the mission of the NYSPCLS. The system is committed to accurately applying scientifically accepted protocols to forensic evidence in a timely manner for the criminal justice community of the State of New York.
The NYSPCLS is comprised of various sections focusing on the following forensic disciplines: Biological Sciences, Seized Drugs (Drug Chemistry), Evidence Receiving, Firearms, Forensic Identification (Fingerprints), Toxicology and Fire Debris. The satellite laboratories only perform controlled substances analysis of seized drugs.
3. What are the steps of the hiring process?
- NYSPCLS job postings are available at https://troopers.ny.gov/civilian-employment
- Send in resume, letter of intent, transcripts, and civilian application packet
- Interview (Panel of 4 interviewers-Approx. 1 to 1.5 hours)
- Provisional Offer
- Background check, which may take several months, to include:
- Drug test
- Fingerprints
- Polygraph Test
- Final Offer
Applications and Interviewing
The information obtained from the resume and college transcripts is what determines whether an interview is offered. Applicants should use the information listed in the job posting to generate a letter of intent that highlights any relevant coursework, experience, and skills that demonstrate meeting or exceeding the qualifications for the position.
The interview process consists of a panel of four current NYSP employees: three related to the position being interviewed and one Human Resources representative. Every applicant is asked the same questions, and the panel takes notes on each response. The successful candidate is chosen based upon their overall interview performance.
A good candidate will incorporate important information on their resume into the interview. It should not be assumed that the interview panel is aware of information provided in the resume. Candidates should accurately and enthusiastically demonstrate the education and experience they have that makes them a good fit for the position. If a candidate is unable to answer a question fully due to lack of experience, they should relate the question to something they do have experience in. Even if not directly answering the question, often demonstrating parallel or similar experience is more beneficial than answering minimally or not at all.
Background Checks
Candidates for employment in the NYSPCLS will be subject to an extensive background investigation to determine the individual’s character and fitness for employment. The background investigation consists of applicant interviews; residence, employer, and education verifications; criminal history check; and interviews of current/past significant others, neighbors, current/former employment supervisors and coworkers. Additionally, candidates will be fingerprinted and subject to drug screening and polygraph examination as part of the pre-employment process.
4. What does the training program consist of once hired?
Training programs differ for each Laboratory discipline and may be several months to more than a year in length. Training programs are generally module-based with lessons covering different methods and/or areas of testing, instrumentation, and courtroom testimony. The programs are delivered through presentations and lectures, demonstrations, written examinations, and hands-on practice. Trainees will also attend trials with senior Forensic Scientists to observe the trial process.
Testimony specific training is intended to provide the following:
- Basic understanding of court proceedings and protocols
- Familiarity with the role of the witness
- Experience in preparing for and presenting testimony through participation in moot court
- Recognition of legal terminology and pertinent court decisions affecting forensic science procedures and testimony
Each trainee undergoes a moot court experience designed to simulate testimony in a court proceeding. Through the moot court experience, a trainee will achieve a basic understanding of courtroom procedures and legal terminology.
5. How can I gain public speaking experience?
If available, enroll in a class that provides such opportunities and consider volunteering or taking part in opportunities to speak in front of people, classrooms, or large gatherings. Guest speaker appearances are also a great way to gain experience. All these opportunities will provide useful experience to develop oral communication skills - an invaluable trait for a Forensic Scientist. Teaching experience can be very useful even if it isn’t specifically related to science because it can help you understand how to present information in a way that others can understand.
6. What does a typical trial consist of?
One of the duties of a Forensic Scientist is to testify in court as to their findings and opinions. Forensic Scientists typically testify near the end of a trial, as testimony follows the chain of custody. The role of the Forensic Scientist is to be an “expert witness”. Professional/business attire is required for all court appearances. Witnesses are not allowed to sit in the courtroom during the trial, and testimony should not be discussed with anyone. When called to testify, they follow the direction of the court officer to take the oath prior to beginning testimony.
Generally, the Prosecution will ask questions first under direct examination. Forensic Scientist witnesses speak in a calm, slow voice, and direct responses to the jury. They give clear/complete explanations of tests performed, results, and conclusions. After the prosecution has concluded its direct examination, the witness will be subjected to cross examination by Defense Counsel. This process may continue back and forth with re-direct and re-cross until both counsels have satisfied their questions. If the Defense is the one to call the witness, the person doing the direct examination and cross examination would be reversed.
In a bench trial, the judge acts as the jury in evaluating the evidence, determining the credibility of witnesses, understanding the facts, and issuing a verdict. In a jury trial, a jury of 12 people hear the testimony from witnesses, determine witness credibility, decipher the facts, and decide on a verdict.
Discovery is a legal process that sets out the rules and procedures governing what information needs to be provided to members of the legal team. In addition to information about the case and the laboratory, discovery includes information about the individuals involved in the testing of the case. Discoverable materials generally include the analyst’s Curriculum Vitae (resume), proficiency test results for the past 10 years, records of any non-conforming work, disciplinary records, and personnel complaints.
7. Is the laboratory an accredited institution?
The NYSPCLS is accredited by ANAB according to ISO/IEC 17025 and AR3125 standards for forensic testing laboratories. The Biological Sciences Section must also follow the Quality Assurance Standards set forth by the FBI to be able to use CODIS.
ANAB = ANSI (American National Standards Institute) National Accreditation Board
ISO = International Organization for Standardization
IEC = International Electrotechnical Commission
8. What is proficiency testing?
Employees who are authorized to perform certain laboratory activities will be required to participate in our proficiency test program. This is one mechanism the laboratory uses to evaluate employee competence and ensure that their work product remains consistent and reliable. This is done by completing a test provided by an outside entity who knows what the results of the test should be. Forensic Scientists are required to be proficiency tested at least once per year. The FBI Quality Assurance Standards require Forensic Scientists in DNA to be proficiency tested twice per year.
9. What is the role of the Quality Assurance Section?
Quality assurance refers to the measures taken to monitor, verify, and document the lab’s performance and address the actions necessary to provide confidence in all analytical results. Forensic Scientists in the Quality Assurance Section play a vital role in ensuring that the lab maintains its accreditation status by remaining compliant with all quality and competence standards, as well as applicable laws and regulations.
The Quality Assurance Section is involved with all four lab locations, overseeing system requirements, including, but not limited to: internal audits, external assessments, employee performance monitoring, LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) and other quality systems, lab safety, and chemical and biological waste management.
10. What Education or Background do I need to work in Forensics?
Below are the requirements for the New York State Police:
Evidence Technician:
Associates degree with a minimum of 18 college credit hours in criminal justice, biology, or health science
Work experience in a laboratory, clinical, pharmaceutical, or criminal justice setting may be used as a substitute for education requirements
Senior Laboratory Technician:
120 college credit hours with a minimum of 18 college credit hours in biology, chemistry, forensic science, health science, physics, science technology, or related areas
Work experience in a laboratory or clinical setting may be used as a substitute for education requirements
Forensic Scientist:
Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or forensic science*
* a degree in Forensic Science is expected to cover substantial coursework in science (theory and lab) that would assist the employee in their ability to comprehend and testify to scientific principles.
Additionally:
Forensic Scientists performing DNA testing must have completed the following coursework:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Statistics or Population Genetics
Crime scene investigation and friction ridge impression (latent print) processing and examination casework is conducted by sworn NYSP personnel (Uniform Crime Scene Technicians – Troopers, and Investigators and Senior Investigators with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation). Requirements for sworn membership can be found at: https://joinstatepolice.ny.gov/
NOTE:
The above information is for general reference and may be subject to change.
Official job postings for laboratory positions will clearly identify the current minimum qualifications for applicants. Those interested in applying are advised to carefully review the information outlined in the posting to ensure that qualifications are adequately met.
11. Best and/or Required Classes per Discipline
- Upper-level science courses that include a hands-on laboratory component. Examples: chemistry, biology, physics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and statistics or population genetics
- Required classes for DNA are listed under qualifications on the job posting