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FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY
EXPERT
The fundamental reason this classification exists is to
provide consultation and forensic toxicology expert services through testimony
in the courtroom, breath testing data analysis, blood testing data analysis, and
procedural and factual case analysis. This position requires the combined
application of previously attained professional knowledge and experience in
determining the effect of alcohol and drugs on the human body as it relates to
driving skills, behavior, and performance on sobriety tests and drug recognition
tests administered during the course of a criminal investigation for driving
while under the influence. The incumbent is responsible for interpretation of,
and testimony on, complex scientific/legal questions. Work is performed
independently and evaluated based on results and the quality of expert
assistance provided.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Testifies in court as an expert witness in forensic
breath and blood alcohol determinations, field sobriety testing, the effects
of alcohol and drugs on the human body and driving skills, and the protocol
for drug recognition testing;
- Presents testimony as an expert witness in court
regarding crime lab protocol, operations, quality control, and forensic
evidence analysis;
- Prepares findings for court presentation and
testifies as an expert witness concerning scientific facts and interprets
complex scientific/legal issues;
- Demonstrates continuous effort to improve the
delivery of expert witness services within Phoenix Municipal Court;
- Prepares affidavits, and reports on DUI-related
forensic issues;
- Performs technical review of breath and blood
testing data;
- Provides technical expertise on difficult case work;
- Compares breath and blood test administration
procedures and calibration/quality assurance protocol and results with the
standards set forth in the Regulations;
- Evaluates the results of blood and breath tests for
alcohol and drugs;
- Interprets data from highly technical and/or
computerized instrumentation such as an automated blood alcohol analysis
system, or a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer.
- Analyzes data and court evidence as it pertains to
forensic blood and breath testing including techniques and other variables
which may effect test results;
- Interprets graphs, charts, and mathematical formulas
to check scientific reports.
- Performs mathematical and statistical computations
in order to complete scientific examinations;
- Evaluates documented and reported performance on
field sobriety tests in the context of standards set by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) and related entities;
- Develops and implements professional training and
seminars, in-service training, and the professional development of the legal
and forensic community; on topics including DUI related forensic evidence,
case evaluation, the analysis of evidence and evaluation of the information
from both scientific and legal perspectives;
- Consults with attorneys on the scientific
reliability and acceptance of forensic test results in their cases;
- Acts as a liaison with other criminalists, courts,
attorneys, crime lab personnel, the media, and the public;
- Works cooperatively and jointly to provide quality
seamless customer service;
- Reviews journal reports, scientific studies, and
articles in the field of DUI-related toxicology;
- Keeps abreast of recent developments through
journals, and attendance at local and out-of-state professional seminars,
workshops, and training on recent developments and scientific advancements in
areas related to the presentation of expert testimony in alcohol and drug
cases;
- Comprehends and makes inferences from written
material such as laboratory reports, scientific journals/literature and
testimony transcripts to maintain current expertise;
Required Knowledge, Skills and
Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Principles, methods, materials, equipment, and
techniques related to forensic toxicology;
- Chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, and botany,
as related to forensic toxicology;
- Recent developments, current literature, and sources
of information in the field of forensic toxicology;
- Recent case decisions, the history of breath and
blood testing in Arizona, and the history of Arizona DUI case law related to
forensic toxicology;
- Proper procedures, protocols, and standards as set
forth in the Statutory Regulations;
- Laboratory operations and administrative procedures
including calibration and quality assurance;
- Crime laboratory analysis procedures so as to
present expert testimony covering the propriety and accuracy of a lab workers
analysis and test results;
- Laws pertaining to the collection of breath and
blood evidence, and the preservation, analysis, and presentation of physical
evidence;
- Standard Police Department operational orders and
procedures;
- Basic rules of evidence and rules of criminal
procedure concerning time limits, discovery, evidence and expert witnesses.
- Legal limitations, applicable court cases, and
mechanical/technical aspects of blood and breath testing;
- The effects of alcohol and drugs on the human body
and driving performance;
- Scientific background sufficient to comprehend
medical issues pertaining to the effects of alcohol and drugs and be able to
provide simplified explanations of these issues as related to forensics;
- Local and national expert opinions to establish
general acceptance within the scientific community.
Ability to:
- Understand and apply pharmacokinetics for alcohol
and drugs in the course of expert testimony presented in a manner
understandable to jurors;
- Formulate expert opinions based on personal
knowledge, experience, and training without the assistance of others;
- Sort, separate, arrange, file and analyze COBRA
data;
- Observe, compare or monitor objects, data, or
people's behavior to determine compliance with prescribed operating and safety
standards.
- Draw or letter charts, graphs, or similar objects
for evidence analysis and illustration.
- Instruct attorneys, judges, and other legal
professionals in a classroom setting.
- Communicate orally with customers, co-workers, and
the public in the English language in face-to-face one-on-one settings, in
group settings, and using a telephone.
- Perform complex mathematical and statistical
calculations;
- Perceive the full range of the color spectrum;
- Comprehend and make inferences from material written
in the English language;
- Produce written documents in English with clearly
organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and
grammar;
- Work cooperatively with other City employees.
Additional Requirements:
- Appointments to positions in the Public Defender
Office are subject to appropriate background standards;
- Some positions require the use of personal or City
vehicles on City business. Individual must be physically capable of operating
the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable
driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited
if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee
does not have personal insurance coverage;
- Some positions will require the performance of other
essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or
shift;
- Incumbent must possess personal reference resources
covering alcohol, drugs, their effect and measurement;
- Experience training legal professionals including
attorneys and judges.
- Incumbent must maintain professional membership and
affiliation with professional forensic and/or toxicological associations such
as the American Academy of Forensic Science, the International Association of
Chemical testing, and the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists;
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND
TRAINING:
Ten (10) years experience as a senior level forensic scientist or criminalist in
a recognized crime laboratory and six (6) years experience presenting courtroom
expert testimony in DUI cases. Holds or previously held Operators, Quality
Assurance, and Instructional professional certifications for breath testing. A
bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of
study in chemistry or closely related physical or natural sciences with a
minimum of thirty (30) semester hours in chemistry is required. Holds or
previously held factory certifications for the operation, repair, and
instruction on breath testing equipment. Other combinations of experience and
education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.
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