State of Maryland

A Maryland State Police (MSP) Forensic Photographer I is the entry level of technical work related to photographic processing of crime scene evidence in the Forensic Sciences Division of the Maryland State Police crime laboratory.  Employees in this classification document evidence through photographs and other photographic methods.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive close supervision from an MSP Forensic Photographer Supervisor.  Work may be performed at crime scenes located throughout the state.  Employees in this classification may be required to work overtime.  Employees may be exposed to hazardous agents and materials requiring the use of safety equipment. Employees are subject to call in on a 24-hour basis.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology. The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The MSP Forensic Photographer I and MSP Forensic Photographer II are differentiated on the basis of the degree of supervisory control exercised by the supervisor over these employees.  The MSP Forensic Photographer I performs duties under close supervision while the MSP Forensic Photographer II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision. 

Learns to photograph evidence at crime scenes, such as bloodstains, cuts or tears in clothing, location of bodies, bullet holes, and shoe and tire impressions in order to document the evidence found;

Learns to perform various photographic procedures and processes on forensic evidence in accordance with applicable operational procedures and quality assurance and safety manuals;

Learns to examine and enhance images of latent prints, questioned documents, shoe and tire impressions, and trace evidence to be used in criminal proceedings;

Learns to take photographs of aerial scenes, mass arrests, civil disturbances and disaster scenes;

Learns to prepare and maintain case records and files in accordance with applicable standards;

Assists in the preparation and presentation of photographic exhibits to be used in criminal proceedings;

Learns to testify in court as an expert witness as to the chain of custody, the accuracy and authenticity of the photographs, and to explain the methods, techniques and procedures used and the results obtained;

Learns to operate, troubleshoot, maintain and repair various photographic equipment in order to ensure integrity of the images of evidence taken at the scene;

Reviews professional journals and publications and attends seminars, workshops and professional meetings to keep abreast of current trends and technological developments in the field;

Learns to perform as part of the Mass Disaster Team;

May assist in crime scene investigations by properly documenting the scene of the crime;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of photographic methods, principles, practices and techniques;

Ability to learn MSP Forensic Sciences Division policies and procedures;

Ability to learn criminal trial procedures related to the rules of evidence;

Ability to learn law enforcement investigative procedures concerning physical evidence;

Ability to photograph physical evidence using appropriate photographic technology;

Ability to learn to develop photographs and enhance images without distortion of evidence;

Ability to understand and follow crime lab procedures and policies;

Ability to learn to operate, maintain and troubleshoot specialized photographic equipment;

Ability to apply standard precautions in handling hazardous chemicals and working around potentially infectious materials;

Ability to maintain accurate records and case files;

Ability to communicate effectively and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and customers.

Experience: Four years of experience performing forensic photography work or advanced specialized/custom photo techniques such as macrophotography, photomicrography or custom printing.

Note: Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 30 credit hours in photography or related courses such as Forensic Science, Crime Scene Investigation, Digital Imaging; Computer Graphics with Adobe Photoshop for the required experience.

1. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and are required to provide the agency with a telephone number where they can be reached.

2. Employees in this classification are subject to random substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

3. In accordance with Public Safety Article, Title 2. Department of State Police, Section 2-204 (b)(6) of the Annotated Code of Maryland, candidates for positions in this classification will be subject to an initial drug screening, a physical examination, submission of a DNA sample, and a complete criminal background investigation, to include a polygraph examination, before permanent appointment can be made.  A criminal conviction may be grounds for rejection of the candidate.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System. All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit B, Administrative, Technical and Clerical classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article 3-  102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are exempt from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation. An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime, as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.

This classification is one level in a Non-Competitive Promotion (NCP) series. NCP promotions are promotions by which employees may advance in grade and class level from trainee to full performance levels in a classification series.  In order to be non-competitively promoted to the next level in a NCP series, an employee must: 1) perform the main purpose of the class as defined in the Nature of Work section of the class specification; 2) receive the type of supervision defined in the class specification, and 3) meet the minimum qualifications of the classification.