Director - Forensic Services Agency

Position is responsible for providing overall leadership, direction and management guidance through direct supervision, and through subordinate supervisors, of a professional and technical forensic staff engaged in performing the collection, examination and preservation of physical evidence. Works with all law enforcement agencies in Marion County, to include Federal, State, and local; works with the office of the Marion County Prosecutor, the Office of the US Attorney, the office of the Indiana Attorney General, the Indiana Prosecuting Attorney Council, the office of the Marion County Public Defender, the State Public Defenders Council, Marion County Courts, the Indianapolis Fire Department, and the office of the Marion County Coroner. Approves grant and budget requests; administers operating budget; maintains and approves expenditures; prepares reports, correspondence and statistical data Evaluates new techniques, procedures, programs and instrumentation. Allocates personnel and other resources to specific work units or functions. Administers performance evaluations to senior management. Represents the laboratory in meetings, attends professional conferences, and consults with others on the solution of problems. Oversees and maintains accreditation requirements and ensures that the total work product of the laboratory meets all appropriate scientific and legal requirements. Approves actions regarding newly hired personnel, promotions, and disciplinary actions, to include terminations. Assures compliance with Federal and State laws to include but not limited to EEOC, Public Record and Criminal laws. Stays current on legal rulings related to forensic science and federal/state legislation changes. Testifies on legislative bills as needed.

Implements all administrative and strategic initiatives promulgated by the Forensic Services Board, to include the impact of long range planning and new programs/strategies for implementation.

Develops or creates strategic business plans identifying scientific operations needs of the agency.

Creates and reinforces the mission, vision, and core values of the agency.

Reviews contracts and submits recommendations to the Forensic Services Board for its action.

Provides the Forensic Services Board with a budget review and evaluation prior to submission to the City/County Council and approves budget proposals for the agency.

Advises, administers, and controls the agency budget to contribute to a cost effective operation.

Approve newly developed forensic technologies, i.e., AFIS and DNA analysis, and other new techniques for use in the laboratory.

Reviews statistical data and ensures compliance with appropriate scientific, legal, and government regulations. Approves modification of current policies as required for the operation of the division.

Oversees workload for all elements of the laboratory (24 hour-per-day basis); devises and explains work policies and procedures; and ensures that appropriate quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) methodologies are employed throughout the laboratory.

Oversees the process regarding the management of all forensic documents and case records to ensure compliance with state records management law.

Directs and/or conducts training for local agencies to include basic evidence technical courses and specialized forensic applications courses, such as drug chemistry; trace chemistry; questioned documents; latent prints; DNA and serology; firearms and/or tool marks, and forensic evidence technician/crime scene specialist techniques and processes.

Attend seminars, meetings and conferences to incorporate new developments into laboratory case work.

Presents results of laboratory research at conferences and/or publish the results in scientific journals.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Baccalaureate, Master's Degree or PhD degree from a recognized university, which includes science courses, and ten (10) years of forensic science experience in an accredited forensic laboratory are required. A minimum of five (5) years' experience as a supervisor in a forensic laboratory is also required. Leadership and management skills and experience are required to successfully plan; lead; coach, and report, along with all forensic operation responsibilities and duties of the position are required to deal with both the internal and external dynamics of the position. These skill sets include human resources; performance evaluation; forensic laboratory accreditation criteria; criminal case law pertaining to investigations; grant funding potential for forensic laboratories; strategic planning; budgeting; excellent communication skills; legislative process knowledge, and scientific research knowledge. Excellent interpersonal skills are required to deal with both the internal and external dynamics of the position. Must be able to establish and set priorities according to time sensitive information in order to have continued success in this position. This position requires an individual who is energetic, forward-thinking and creative, with high ethical standards and a professional image. Must have the ability to ensure a budget plan is developed to fulfill the needs of the agency. This process must include experience in grant development at both the federal and state levels. The ability to make effective and informative speeches and presentation on complex topics to the Forensic Services Board and City/County Council. Must have knowledge of governmental, scientific, and legislative processes. Must have a complete understanding of forensic laboratory accreditation and quality assurance programs. Must have experience in testifying as an expert witness. Must also be willing to complete additional specialized training from agencies such as, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and others. Must not have been convicted of a felony.

Work is conducted in a forensic laboratory setting, in the field, or at the morgue. General chemical hygiene and the safe handling of biologically hazardous evidence are required to perform the responsibilities. Must be able to manage stress in a work environment that demands answers on cases, evidence, court orders, etc., on a daily basis. This position must be able to work in a fast-paced setting with the ability to adapt to a schedule that may change multiple times per day. This position must be able to work in conditions that include hazardous materials, e.g., blood, bodily fluids, etc. This position must meet all safety and hazardous communication training related to these environments.

The Laboratory Director is guided in judgment by forensic laboratory accreditation criteria, laboratory Policy and Standard Operating Procedures, City/County Human Resource guidelines, and all tenets of applicable federal, city/county ordinance, and state law. Overall risk management of all forensic laboratory accreditation criteria, laboratory operations, safety procedures, proper reporting of accidents, and the ability to ensure new policies are developed to accommodate changes. Must display a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward the laboratory's mission statement and accreditation criteria. Must possess a working knowledge of the criminal justice system, to include the sensitive and confidential nature of laboratory procedures, protocol, and requirements. The Laboratory Director may need to render an independent judgment when faced with a situation where a decision is needed and there are no clear cut standard operating procedures or laws. These decisions shall be accomplished in an ethical manner with risk management experience driving the decision making process.