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Career Opportunities

Crime Scene Investigator Overview

A Crime Scene Investigator is a Sergeant in the Indiana State Police Department. CSIs provide technical crime scene processing and court testimony as required. This includes identifying and collecting potential evidence, reconstructing the events of the crime and physically linking potential suspects to the crime.

Forensic Scientist Overview

The job duties and responsibilities of a Forensic Scientist are the following:

  • Conduct analysis on evidence (various depending on discipline):
    • Serological tests to identify and analyze body fluids, tissues and various types of related matter.
    • DNA analysis.
    • Examination and determination of physical, microscopic, and compositional characteristics of physical evidence such as fibers, paint, glass, and ignitable liquids.
    • Drug identification.
    • Handwriting comparisons and questioned document examinations.
    • Examination of firearms and firearms related evidence.
    • Latent fingerprint development and comparisons.
  • Prepare laboratory case notes and written reports.
  • Communicate analytical procedures, methodology, and conclusions to various representatives of the criminal justice system including court testimony as an expert witness.
  • Participate in a proficiency testing program.
  • Assist in calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments.
  • Participate in training and continuing education programs.

The educational requirements for a Forensic Scientist are as follows:

DNA Analysis

  • A Baccalaureate degree or higher in biology, chemistry, or forensic science.
  • Must have successfully completed the following college courses: Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Statistics.

Drug Analysis

  • A Baccalaureate degree or higher in a natural science or forensic science that includes a minimum of one semester of physics and analytical chemistry/instrumental methods and one year or equivalent in each of general chemistry and organic chemistry including lecture and associated laboratory classes.

Microanalysis

  • A Baccalaureate degree or higher in a natural science or forensic science that includes a minimum of one semester of physics and one year or equivalent in each of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and analytical chemistry/instrumental methods including lecture and associated laboratory classes.

Firearms Examination, Latent Prints Comparisons and Questioned Documents Analysis

  • A Baccalaureate degree or higher with natural and/or forensic science courses.

The general job requirements and essential functions for a Forensic Scientists are as follows:

  • Basic knowledge of the theory and practical operation of a variety of scientific instrumentation and analytical techniques.
  • Ability to communicate clearly in English both orally and in writing with scientific and non-scientific personnel.
  • Must have the ability to differentiate colors as evidenced by medical certification.
  • Must possess a valid Indiana State Driver’s License.
  • Ability to travel by aircraft.
  • Ability to attend training at alternate locations for extended periods of time.

Forensic Technician Overview

Forensic Technician is a civilian position within the Indiana State Police.  Forensic Technicians work with Forensic Scientists by completing duties that may include processing database samples or evidence, maintaining laboratory equipment, and completing administrative tasks.  Forensic Technicians do not interpret results or generate laboratory reports.  A high school diploma and a minimum of 60 hours of college credit from an accredited institution are required.  Natural science classes and previous work in a laboratory environment are desired.

Evidence Specialist Overview

Evidence Specialist is a civilian position within the Indiana State Police.  Evidence Specialist are responsible for maintaining the evidence system within the Laboratory Division.  Partial duties of an Evidence Specialist include coordinating evidence handling activity between contributors and the Laboratory, ensuring evidence is properly marked and sealed, ensuring the secure storage of all items of evidence, coordinating the release or destruction of evidence, and maintaining proper tracking of all evidence.

Job Opportunities

All civilian job openings are advertised and applications available on the ISP Civilian Opportunities webpage.  State Police Trooper openings are announced on the ISP State Troopers webpage.