Job Information
State of Arkansas FORENSIC SPECIALIST in Little Rock, Arkansas
FORENSIC SPECIALIST
Date: Mar 7, 2025
Req ID: 47705
Location:
Little Rock, AR, US, 72205
Category: DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Anticipated Starting Salary: 40340
Position Number: 22180891
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: 03/14/2025
Anticipated Starting Salary: 40340
The Department of Public Safety’s mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state’s premier public safety agency.
This position is Safety Sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, random, and for-cause drug screenings.
If you are requesting veteran’s preference, please include your DD214.
Position Overview:
The SAKI Convicted Person’s DNA Collection Coordinator will coordinate multi-agency efforts to collect lawfully owed DNA, specifically focusing on individuals, including registered sex offenders and persons with felony convictions or arrests, who have not submitted their DNA for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The role ensures compliance with state statutes and protocols while working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, providing training and oversight, and ensuring the successful collection and processing of DNA samples.
Key Responsibilities:
Establish and Lead Multidisciplinary Teams:Manage teams composed of representatives from various agencies involved in DNA collection efforts.
Coordinate Multiagency DNA Collection Efforts:Lead initiatives to collect DNA samples from individuals who are legally required to submit their DNA, particularly sex offenders and those with felony convictions or arrests not yet entered into CODIS.
Monitor and Update ACIC Census:Track and update the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) database to maintain an accurate list of individuals required to submit DNA, ensuring protocols for collection, processing, and CODIS upload are followed.
Ensure Law Enforcement Compliance:Monitor law enforcement adherence to protocols and state statutes, providing training and guidance where necessary to ensure proper DNA collection procedures.
Distribute Collection Lists:Provide task force members with organized lists of individuals who need to submit samples, categorized by their location for efficient collection efforts.
Collaborate with Stakeholders:Work with the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ACASA) and local Councils on Sexual Assault Response (CoSAR) to support coordination and educational outreach efforts related to DNA collection and sexual assault response.
Track CODIS Hits and Investigations:Oversee and monitor the status of CODIS hits, ensuring subsequent investigations and prosecutions are tracked and followed up on.
Monitor Sexual Assault Kit Testing Status:Verify and track the testing status of inventoried sexual assault kits and coordinate with law enforcement for resubmission when necessary.
Coordinate Evidence Testing:Facilitate coordination between law enforcement agencies, Crime Lab, and outsourcing facilities for the resubmission and transfer of evidence for additional testing.
Grant Reporting:Provide quarterly performance measures and grant reports to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
Additional Duties:Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or leadership team.
Knowledge:
In-depth knowledge of criminal justice databases, particularly criminal history databases and CODIS.
Understanding of laws and protocols surrounding DNA collection, including those specific to sex offenders and individuals with felony convictions.
Familiarity with state and federal statutes related to DNA collection, criminal investigations, and evidence processing.
Knowledge of sexual assault forensic protocols and the importance of DNA evidence in criminal investigations.
Knowledge of grant reporting and performance measures, especially in law enforcement or criminal justice programs.
Skills:
Strong organizational and leadership skills to coordinate and manage multidisciplinary teams.
Excellent data entry skills, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for interacting with law enforcement agencies, task force members, stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports for internal and external stakeholders, including law enforcement and grant agencies.
Proficient in using criminal justice software systems, including ACIC and CODIS.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and other relevant software.
Abilities:
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, fostering positive working relationships across multiple agencies.
Ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects with multiple stakeholders.
Ability to train and mentor others in proper DNA collection and forensic procedures.
Ability to adapt to changing laws, procedures, and technologies within the criminal justice and forensic science fields.
Ability to assess situations and make decisions under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education:Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, information technology, computer science, natural sciences, or a related field.
Experience:Minimum of three years of experience working with criminal justice databases, particularly in DNA collection, forensic investigations, or criminal history management.
Certifications:Completion of ACIC (Arkansas Crime Information Center) training or equivalent.
Additional Skills:Experience with grant management and reporting, familiarity with sexual assault response programs, and coordination with community or governmental organizations.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:High school diploma or GED.
Experience:At least one year of experience working with criminal history databases, law enforcement agencies, or related fields.
Additional Requirements:Must be able to pass background checks and meet other agency-specific criteria for safety-sensitive positions.
Position Information
Class Code: B052C
Grade: GS07
FLSA Status: EXEMPT
Salary Range: $40,340.00 - $64,343.00
Summary
The Forensic Specialist is responsible for assisting in the physical analyses of computer materials, articles, and other trace evidence related to the investigation of a crime. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.
Functions
Conducts routine analysis of computer/Internet crime physical evidence utilizing computer equipment. Interprets test results, in order to identify and classify computer files, and attempts to reconstruct computer files. Receives formal and on-the-job training in forensic computer procedures, including the analysis, identification, and comparison of files, and interpretation of results. Prepares reports of findings detailing analytical methods and techniques used to support conclusions for submission to supervisor and possible use in legal proceedings. Prepares to testify in court by observing testimony of other forensic scientists. Reviews technical literature and observes senior level forensic scientists conducting unfamiliar tests and analysis. Performs other duties as assigned.
Dimensions
None
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles and practices of computer science and computer file reconstruction. Knowledge of specialized computer equipment and standards. Ability to perform analysis using specialized computer equipment and standards. Ability to write descriptive results of analysis and prepare and maintain reports. Ability to present or communicate findings in legal or administrative hearings.
Minimum Qualifications
The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, natural sciences, or related field; plus three years of experience in a computer/ internet crime investigations. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Licenses
None
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
Nearest Major Market:Little Rock