Regulation .12 Technical Leader — Qualifications.
Regulation .12 Technical Leader — Qualifications.LinkCopy Citation
A.
General. Except for the discipline of Biology-DNA analysis, a technical leader in a discipline or subdiscipline of a forensic laboratory shall:
(1)
Hold an earned baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution in:
(a)
Forensic science;
(b)
A natural science such as:
(i)
Chemistry;
(ii)
Physics; or
(iii)
Biology; or
(c)
A subspecialty of a natural science such as:
(i)
Organic chemistry;
(ii)
Biochemistry; or
(iii)
Molecular biology; and
(2)
Have documented post-degree experience in the forensic discipline or subdiscipline in which the individual will be a technical leader, as follows:
(a)
4 years with a baccalaureate degree;
(b)
3 years with a master’s degree; or
(c)
2 years with a doctoral degree.
B.
Except for Biology-DNA analysis and forensic toxicology, a director may establish alternate qualifications for a technical leader in a discipline or subdiscipline of a forensic laboratory if the individual:
(1)
Has 9 or more years of documented experience in the forensic discipline or subdiscipline in which the individual will be a technical leader; and
(2)
Is able to demonstrate competency under the laboratory’s competency procedures in the forensic discipline or subdiscipline in which the individual will be a technical leader.
C.
Forensic Toxicology. In addition to the requirements set forth in §A of this regulation, a technical leader in the discipline of forensic toxicology shall meet the requirements of and be certified under COMAR 10.10.09.
D.
Forensic Biology—DNA Analysis. If a forensic laboratory performs or offers to perform tests in the discipline of forensic DNA analysis, the technical leader shall meet the employee qualifications for a technical leader and be authorized by the licensee to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a technical leader, as set forth in Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories, which is incorporated by reference.