Md. Code Regs. 10.51.06.15

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 10.51.06.15 - Forensic Analysis Employees - Qualifications

A. Forensic Analysis Employees - Qualifications for Toxicology and Trace Evidence Disciplines.

(1) A forensic analyst working in toxicology or trace evidence disciplines of a forensic laboratory shall:

(a) Possess a baccalaureate or advanced degree in a natural science, forensic science, or a closely related field of science; and

(b) Have successfully completed a training program in forensic toxicology or forensic analysis of trace evidence, as determined by the laboratory director.

(2) An individual whose degree is in a field other than a natural science, forensic science, or a closely related field, may meet the educational requirements, as determined by the director and technical leader, if the individual has:

(a) Successfully completed 12 or more semester or credit hours of course work in biology, physics, or chemistry; and

(b) Successfully completed a training program in forensic toxicology, or forensic analysis of trace evidence, as determined by the laboratory director.

B. Forensic Analysis Employees - Qualifications for Controlled Dangerous Substances. An individual performing forensic laboratory analyses for controlled dangerous substances shall meet the pertinent employee qualifications and certification requirements set forth in COMAR 10.10.09.

C. Forensic Analysis Employees - Qualifications for Biology Discipline of Forensic Science.

(1) A forensic analyst working in the biology discipline of forensic science shall:

(a) Possess a baccalaureate or advanced degree in a natural science, forensic science, or a closely related field of science; and

(b) Have successfully completed a training program in the biology discipline of forensic science, as determined by the laboratory director.

(2) An individual whose degree is in a field other than a natural science, forensic science, or a closely related field, may meet the educational requirements, as determined by the director and technical leader, if the individual has:

(a) Taken 12 or more semester or credit hours of course work in biology, physics, or chemistry; and

(b) At least 2 years of training in the category of forensic analysis performed for the identification and evaluation of evidence in criminal matters.

D. Forensic Analysis Employees - Qualifications for Forensic DNA Analysis. A forensic analyst working in the forensic science discipline of biology who performs a DNA analysis shall meet the FBI standards for performing DNA analysis, as set forth in the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories, which is incorporated by reference.

E. Forensic Analysis Employees - Qualifications for Firearms and Toolmarks Examinations. An individual employed by a licensee to perform examinations of firearms and toolmarks evidence shall:

(1) Possess a baccalaureate degree in:

(a) A biological or physical science;

(b) Criminal justice;

(c) Law enforcement; or

(d) A related field; or

(2) Have successfully completed a training program, as determined by the laboratory director and technical leader, in the fields of:

(a) Firearms;

(b) Processing or examination of forensic evidence; and

(c) Laboratory testing of materials.

F. Forensic Analysis Employees - Qualifications for Latent Examinations. An individual who classifies fingerprints or other friction-ridge prints or performs impression examinations shall:

(1) Possess a high school diploma or equivalent; and

(2) Have successfully completed a training program, as determined by the laboratory director and technical leader, including:

(a) 1 year performing duties related to:

(i) Law enforcement activities; or

(ii) Forensic laboratory services; and

(b) 1 year performing:

(i) Fingerprint classification; or

(ii) Latent examinations.

G. Forensic Analysis Employees - Qualifications for Forensic Document Examiner. An individual employed by a licensee to examine questioned documents or to be a forensic document examiner shall:

(1) Possess a baccalaureate degree or advanced degree in a natural science, forensic science, or a closely related field of science;

(2) Have successfully completed a formal training program in the field of forensic document examination, as determined by the laboratory director; and

(3) Have at least 1 year of experience performing forensic analyses for the identification and evaluation of evidence in criminal matters.

Md. Code Regs. 10.51.06.15