CBI DNA Database Technician (Forensic Services) - Denver

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services (CBIFS) is seeking a CBI DNA Database Technician to join their team in Denver. This role is crucial for maintaining the integrity and quality of evidence submitted to the forensic laboratories. The technician will be responsible for accurately documenting vital information related to DNA samples collected from convicted offenders and arrestees into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and other data systems. This includes handling and documenting DNA samples, determining if samples meet quality checks and legal requirements for analysis, and understanding expungement eligibility. The position involves working with law enforcement partners to resolve submission issues, request re-sampling, and provide guidance on DNA sample collection methods. The technician will also assist in the Toxicology section as needed and may be required to provide courtroom testimony. Key responsibilities include sample accessioning, DNA sample destruction/legal expungement, and CODIS hit verification. This role requires interaction with various internal and external customers, including law enforcement agencies, forensic scientists, and laboratory management. The position also involves providing guidance and training to new team members and consulting with leads and management on complex situations.

Requirements

Three years experience of experience maintaining records in a law enforcement agency or closely related work that requires maintaining accurate records, processing information or materials, following procedures and ensuring data quality and integrity.
OR A combination of related education and/or experience maintaining records in a law enforcement agency or closely related work that requires maintaining accurate records, processing information or materials, following procedures and ensuring data quality and integrity equal to three (3) years.
Must be a Colorado resident at time of application.
Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, driving history, Personnel Evaluation (PEP) assessment, fingerprint based criminal history search and a drug test.
Must possess a valid Colorado driver's license.
This position may be required to assist in another laboratory throughout the state and may be required to provide courtroom testimony statewide.
This position may be required to handle, package and store evidence items that could be considered hazardous.
Drug testing equipment contains caustic materials or acids as do the dangerous drugs themselves. Although infrequent, it is possible for this position to have direct exposure to hazardous materials.
This position is requires to move up to 40-50 pounds from one location to the next occasionally.
This position frequently lifts and carries items or containers that may be heavy or require lifting above the shoulders.
This position also requires frequent walking, pulling and pushing.
This position is required to be available to respond to the central evidence facility to assist troopers in booking large quantities of evidence.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with a criminal justice database, including CCIC (Colorado Crime Information Center), CoCourt (Colorado Courts Database), CDAC or similar database.
Training and proficiency in 10-print comparisons.

Responsibilities

Ensures the timely, complete and accurate documentation of vital information related to database samples collected from convicted offenders and arrestees into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) or other data information systems in support of the forensic laboratory system.
Handles and documents DNA samples collected pursuant to C.R.S 16-11-102.4, 16-11-103 and 19-2.5-1119 by state and local law enforcement agencies and from correctional facilities.
Determines whether the samples submitted have met CBI’s quality checks and legal requirements, and are acceptable for analysis, including working knowledge of expungement eligibility requirements to ensure timely processing.
Work with law enforcement partners to address issues with submissions, request re-sampling and give guidance on the method of collection of DNA samples for the database.
Consults with and defers to laboratory management as it relates to all evidence based duties.
Provides courtroom testimony.
Assists in the Toxicology section as staffing needs arise.
Sample Accessioning: works with DNA database and is responsible for the accessioning of all DNA samples received by the database.
Utilizes the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), CCIC (Colorado Crime Information Center) and CoCourt (Colorado Courts Database) and various fingerprint databases to ensure the information on the submission is complete and correct.
Determines the CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) specimen category that the profile will be indexed in the State and National DNA database.
Consults with the Technician IV or management when complex situations lead to questions in eligibility.
Ensures proper handling of the DNA samples and records in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and the FBI’s Quality Assurance requirements.
Complies with all of the policies and procedures of the CBIFS.
Is available to assist in audits as required by the policies and procedures of the CBIFS.
Participates in a root cause analysis to help identify the cause of the error when errors arise.
Interacts with a variety of internal and external customers and requires the individual to work effectively and collaborate in a professional, knowledgeable manner in all circumstances, ensuring all expectations are met or exceeded.
Provides guidance and assistance with specific training tasks for newer team members.
Consults and refers to the Team Lead when complex or non-routine situations arise.
Regularly consults with and defers to the State CODIS administrator, work lead or laboratory management as it relates to all aspects of the DNA database.
DNA Sample Destruction/Legal Expungement: Position destroys DNA samples when appropriate.
Utilizes the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), CCIC (Colorado Crime Information Center) and CoCourt (Colorado Courts Database) and various fingerprint databases in an efficient manner to determine if eligible charges are filed with the courts.
Applies the eligibility requirements for destruction in C.R.S 16-23-101(Katie’s Law).
C.R.S 16-23-10, part of Katie’s law, outlines the requirements for legal expungement. The position initiates this process and contacting the district attorney’s office for input.
Ensure research of samples records are done in a timely manner to allow for profiling.
This position regularly consults with and deferring to Team Lead, State CODIS administrator, work lead, or laboratory management as it relates to all aspects surrounding legal eligibility.
CODIS Hit Verification: Assists the state CODIS administrator with hit verifications in a timely manner.
Provides the state CODIS administrator with criminal history documentation of a qualifying offense associated with the DNA sample at the time of submission as well as biometric information including ten print verification for this process in accordance the National DNA Index System (NDIS) Operational Procedures standards.
Applies ten print comparisons knowledge to verify the touch prints taken at the time of a Convicted Offender collection and to assist in the hit verification process.
This position regularly consults with and deferring to Team Lead, State CODIS administrator, work lead, or laboratory management as it relates to all aspects of the DNA database.

Benefits

Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents.
Short and long-term disability coverage.
Life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
State contribution into Health Savings Account when enrolled in HDHP.
Job protected medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
Paid medical leave benefits provided by the State of Colorado.
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.
Unmatched retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
Generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.
Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state.
Tuition reimbursement.
Reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.