State of Maryland

A Maryland State Police (MSP) Forensic Photographer Supervisor is the supervisory 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 techniques.  Employees in this classification supervise lower-level MSP Forensic Photographers.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a MSP Forensic Scientist Manager or another designated administrator.  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 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 Supervisor is differentiated from the MSP Forensic Photographer II in that the MSP Forensic Photographer Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for lower-level MSP Forensic Photographers while the MSP Forensic Photographer II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision. 

Supervises, schedules, assigns and evaluates the work of lower-level MSP Forensic Photographers in the photography unit;

Provides direction to subordinate staff on assignments, work schedules, work priorities and the use and maintenance of photographic equipment;

Trains staff in the preparation and conduct of various photographic processes dealing with physical evidence in accordance with division protocol;

Assists staff in resolving technical photographic problems;

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

Prepares and maintains case records and files in accordance with applicable standards;

Operates, troubleshoots, maintains and repairs various photographic equipment to ensure integrity of the evidence;

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

Performs as part of the Mass Disaster Team;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of photographic methods, principles, practices and techniques;

Knowledge of MSP Forensic Sciences Division policies and procedures;

Knowledge of criminal trial procedures related to the rules of evidence;

Knowledge of law enforcement investigative procedures concerning physical evidence;

Skill in photographing physical evidence using appropriate photographic technology;

Skill in developing photographs and enhancing images without distortion of evidence;

Skill in understanding and following crime lab procedures and policies;

Skill in operating, maintaining and troubleshooting specialized photographic equipment;

Skill in the application of standard precautions in handling hazardous chemicals and working around potentially infectious materials;

Ability to coordinate and supervise the work of lower-level MSP Forensic Photographers;

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: Six years of experience, two years of experience performing forensic photography to include providing testimony in moot or criminal court and four years of additional 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 and related courses as Forensic Science, Crime Scene Investigation, Digital Imaging; Computer Graphics with Adobe Photoshop and two years of experience performing forensic photography to include providing testimony in moot or criminal court 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 not assigned to a bargaining unit as indicated by the designation of S (supervisor), M (manager), T (agency head), U (Board or Commission member), W (student), X (Used by agency or excluded by executive order), or Z (confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and therefore, 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.