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Published by the Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Forensic Sciences Washington, D.C. 20537 The U. S. Attorney General has determined that the publication of this periodical is necessary in the transaction of the public business required by the Department of Justice. Information, instructions, and disclaimers are published in the January issues.
- INTELLIGENCE ALERT -
KETAMINE IN WINE BOTTLES IN EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN The Michigan State Police Lansing Forensic Laboratory recently received three "Sutter Home" wine bottles each containing approximately 750 milliliters of clear, slightly yellow liquid, suspected gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) (see Photo 1). The bottles were seized at a common carrier facility in East Lansing by the Tri-County Metro Narcotics Squad (Michigan State Police Task Force). Analysis of the liquid from one randomly selected bottle by GC/MS and FT-IR, however, indicated not GHB or GBL but rather ketamine HCl. A crude gravimetric quantitation and recrystallization showed that the approximate 750 milliliters in the sampled bottle contained 68.05 grams of ketamine HCl. The other two bottles were not analyzed. This is the first encounter with ketamine solutions in wine bottles by the Laboratory.
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- INTELLIGENCE ALERT - OPIUM "TOOTSIE ROLLS" INSIDE A CASKET FROM THAILAND The DEA North Central Laboratory (Chicago, Illinois) recently received 38 rectangular packages consisting of clear packaging tape over a brown leafy substance over flat rolled pieces of plastic containing a black tacky substance, suspected opium (see Photo 2 and Photo 3). The packets (which are locally known as "Tootsie Rolls") varied in size from 1 x 1 x 1 inch to 1 x 1 x 16 inches, and were originally seized by U.S. Customs Service Inspectors from a casket arriving at the Los Angeles International Airport on a flight from Thailand. The casket was control delivered to an individual in St. Paul, Minnesota by the DEA Minneapolis-St. Paul Resident Office, prior to submission to the Laboratory. Analysis of the material (total net mass 5.960 kilograms, not including wrappings and packaging) by color testing, GC, and MS indicated meconin, codeine, morphine, thebaine, and papaverine, confirming opium. The brown leafy substance was tentatively identified as bamboo leaves. These packets are regularly seized by local law enforcement personnel from Hmong expatriates residing in the upper Midwest; however, this was the first encounter with this smuggling technique by the North Central Laboratory.
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The DEA Mid-Atlantic Laboratory (Largo, Maryland) recently received five different varieties of "lotion" bottles, each containing a plastic bag of pasty white material, suspected wet cocaine (see Photo 4, below). The exhibits were seized by the United States Customs Service at the Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) Airport. Analysis of the exhibit (total net mass from the bottles was 881.4 grams) by color testing, GC, GC/MS, and FT-IR confirmed 59 percent cocaine hydrochloride. This was the laboratory's first encounter with this type of smuggling technique.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tampa Crime Laboratory recently received a polydrug submission from the Polk County Sheriff's Office that included two "home-made", light green tablets, allegedly a mixture "kind of like Soma and Valium". The tablets were seized during a probation check from a local drug user who is a so-called "Mikey" (a volunteer "guinea pig" who is willing to "test" (by self-administration) illicit drugs and drug mixtures of virtually any type). Other drugs seized in the same case included methamphetamine residue on charred foil, lorazepam powder and tablet fragments, a methadone tablet, and possible tramadone tablets (the latter were not analyzed, but were tentatively identified by tablet markings). The home-made tablets were unmarked, half-scored on one face, 12 millimeters in diameter, and had an average weight of 600 milligrams (see Photo 5). Preliminary analysis of a chloroform extract of one quarter of a tablet (from a 5% NaHC03 solution) by GC/MS suggested fentanyl. Analysis of a methanol extract (1 mL) of the remaining three-fourths of the tablet by GC and GC/MS confirmed fentanyl (quantitation not performed). This is the first time a tablet preparation of fentanyl has been encountered by the Laboratory. * * * * *
NANDRALONE IN NEWARK, CALIFORNIA The Alameda County Sheriff's Office Criminalistics Laboratory (San Leandro, California) recently received an interesting polydrug submission consisting of five pentagonal red tablets, suspected ecstasy, and two small cardboard boxes each containing a factory-sealed amber bottle, labelled in Spanish as containing ketamine and nandralone, respectively. The exhibits were seized pursuant to a consent search in Newark, California by the Fremont Police Department (Newark is located a few miles southwest of Fremont). The tablets measured approximately 4 millimeters on each side, and had a "T" logo on one side and a half-score on the other side (see Photo 6). Analysis by GC-MS, however, indicated not MDMA but rather stanozolol (not quantitated). The first box was marked: "...Ttokkyo Centenido Neto: 10 mL...Kettamina 1000...", and the factory-sealed bottle within was similarly marked "...Kettamina 1000..." (see Photo 7). Analysis of the liquid contents by FTIR/ATR and GC-MS confirmed ketamine (not quantitated). The second box was marked: "...Anabolico Esteroide Nandrolona 300 L.A....Contenido neto 10 ml..." and the factory-sealed bottle within was similarly marked: "...Anabolico Esteroide Contenido neto 10 ml. Nandrolona 300 L.A...." (see Photo 8); the fine print on both the box and bottle indicated that this was also a product of Ttokkyo Laboratories. Analysis of the liquid contents by GC-MS confirmed nandrolone decanoate (not quantitated). This is the first time any of these products have been encountered at the Laboratory. As a side note, Ttokkyo Laboratories (a notorious source of ketamine and anabolic steroids, situated in various locales in Mexico) was shut down by local authorities in October 2002 (for additional information, see: http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/cas/cas21002.1.htm)
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PENITENTIARY IN BEAUMONT, TEXAS The Jefferson County Regional Crime Laboratory (Beaumont, Texas) recently received two separate submissions of unknown greenish colored powders inside a small plastic bags, total net masses 0.63 grams and 0.83 grams, respectively (photos not taken). The exhibits had been seized by security personnel at the prison, and had been secreted within Muscle Fit and Maxim magazines, respectively, for attempted smuggling to inmates (further details not available). Analysis by spot tests and GC-MS indicated morphine in both exhibits (not quantitated). This was the first submission of greenish colored morphine to the Crime Laboratory.
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The DEA Western Laboratory (San Francisco, California) recently received a 3.3 gram sample of clear crystalline material, suspected "ICE" methamphetamine (circumstances of seizure not provided due to ongoing investigation). "ICE" methamphetamine is (by definition) high-purity d-methamphetamine hydrochloride; it is usually encountered as large, clear or white-clear crystals, and is typically ingested by smoking. Analysis by Marquis color testing and GC-FID of the N-trifluoroacetyl-L-prolyl derivative, however, indicated not the d- isomer but rather 99 percent l-methamphetamine hydrochloride. No synthetic route information was developed during the analyses. The laboratory later received a 2670 gram submission from the same case, packaged in six ziplock plastic bags that were further sealed in vacuum-packed, heat-sealed plastic bags. The crystalline material was again clear and the individual crystals were large [see Photo 9]. Analysis indicated that four of the bags contained mixtures of d- and l-methamphetamine hydrochloride in roughly a 3:1 ratio (favoring the d- isomer). The remaining two bags were found to have a similar mixture, but in roughly a 1:10 ratio (favoring the l-isomer). Quantitative analysis of a composite sample from all six bags determined the overall purity to be 96 percent. The DEA laboratory system has encountered a number of similar samples over the past two years. [Editor's Notes: The literature suggests that d-methamphetamine is between five and ten times more potent than the l- isomer; however, this does not correspond to differences in efficacy or abuse potential, since abusers can compensate merely by taking more of the l- isomer.]
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ANALYSIS OF THE POPPY CAPSULES FROM THE SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST SEIZURE
[Editor's Preface: The referenced seizure occurred in June 2003, and was reported in detail in the August and September 2003 issues of Microgram Bulletin.] The DEA Special Testing and Research Laboratory (Dulles, Virginia) recently received 18 opium poppy capsules from the June 2003 seizure of the large opium poppy field in the Sierra National Forest, California. [Note: According to the National Forestry Service, there were 40,000 to 50,000 plants in the field, with an average height of three feet, and three to five capsules per plant (see Photo 10). All capsules showed vertical lancing marks on their exteriors (see Photo 11, showing a lanced capsule at the field, bleeding latex).] The capsules (total net mass 15.1 grams) had been thoroughly dried to prevent natural decomposition during transit, and (as a result) several of them had burst open and dispersed seeds into the evidence envelope prior to analysis. The average diameter of the capsules was found to be 19.1 mm and the average height was 20.8 mm. It was not determined whether these capsules represented 'typical' capsules in the field; however, the capsules forwarded to the laboratory were relatively small compared to typical opium poppies from other opium producing regions in the world. The analysis started by separating the capsules by cutting them off just above the petal scar (i.e., where the flower petals were once attached). The seeds were then removed from the capsules, and the remaining parts of the capsules (mostly hull) were crushed into a uniform mass of small fragments. Analysis of an extract of the hull material by GC/MS (with quantitation by CE ) confirmed 0.4 percent morphine, 0.1 percent codeine, 0.06 percent thebaine, 0.2 percent noscapine, and 0.08 percent papaverine, all calculated at the base. This corresponded to 2 milligrams of morphine base per capsule, or roughly 360 grams of morphine for the entire field. It is unknown whether the field was being cultivated for production of opium gum (for which there is a growing market in the U.S.) or for eventual production of heroin.
The following list (alphabetized by country) represents non-U.S. organizations that have dropped off the Microgram subscription e-net. Virtually all of these organizations failed to respond to last year's multiple subscription re-validation requests. Many represent offices or laboratories that closed or moved years or even decades ago. A few provided invalid email addresses, or provided email addresses that have since become invalid. The Office of Forensic Sciences requests your assistance in tracking down these organizations, and (if they are still interested in receiving Microgram Bulletin and Microgram Journal) asking them to provide an accurate email address to the Microgram Editor. Note that personal names and/or street addresses have been redacted for security reasons; however, the provided information should be adequate to identify those organizations that are still operational. If the office or laboratory has closed or consolidated, or is operational but simply not interested in remaining on the subscription e-net, that information would also be appreciated. All responses should be emailed to the Editor at: microgram_editor@mailsnare.net All organizations for which no response is received will be deleted from the subscription database at the end of this year.
**** **** **** **** SELECTED REFERENCES [Note: Selected references are a compilation of recent publications of presumed interest to forensic chemists. Unless otherwise stated, all listed citations are published in English. If available, the email address for the primary author is provided as the contact information. Listed mailing address information (which is sometimes cryptic or incomplete) exactly duplicates that provided by the abstracting services.] 1. Coyle HM, Palmbach T, Juliano N, Ladd C, Lee HC. An overview of DNA methods for the identification and individualisation [sic] of marijuana. Croatian Medical Journal 2003;44(3):315. [Editor's Notes: Presents a short review of the title topic. Contact: Division of Scientific Services, Connecticut State Forensic Science Laboratory, 278 Colony Street, Meriden, CT 06451.] 2. Jimeno ML, Alkorta I, Cano C, Jagerovic N, Goya P, Elguero J, FocesFoces C. Fentanyl and its analogue N-(1-phenylpyrazol-3-yl)-N-[2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidyl]propanamide: H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and theoretical calculations. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 2003;51(8):929. [Editor's Notes: The oxalate salts and free bases of the title compounds were analyzed by the title techniques. Contact: N Jagerovic, CSIC, Inst Quim Med, Juan Cierva 3, E-28006, Madrid, Spain.] 3. Baeyens WRG, VanderWeken G, Smet E, GarciaCampana AM, Remon JP. Comparison of morphine and hydromorphone analysis on reversed phase columns with different diameters. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 2003;32(4-5):913. [Editor's Notes: Presents the analysis of the title compounds by HPLC on 2, 3, and 4 mm i.d. RP columns with UV detection. Contact: WRG Baeyens, State Univ Ghent, Fac Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Pharmaceut Anal, Lab Drug Qual Control, Harelbekestr 72, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.] 4. Hosztafi S, Noszal B. Determination of morphine and its derivatives, by means of luminescence analysis. Acta Pharmaceutica Hungarica 2002;72(3):191. [Editor's Notes: A mini-review of the title topic. Contact: ICN Magyarorszag Rt., 4440 Tiszavasvari, Hung.] 5. Cabovska B, Norman AB, Stalcup AM. Separation of cocaine stereoisomers by capillary electrophoresis using sulfated cyclodextrins. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 2003;376(1):134. [Editor's Notes: The title study is presented. Contact: Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221.] 6. Lewis LD. Method of disposing of hazardous wastes connected with criminal activity. US 20030176756 A1 18 Sep 2003, U.S. Pat Appl. Publ. CLASS: ICM: A62D003-00. NCL: 588213000. APLICATION: US 2002-100325 18 Mar 2002. [Editor's Notes: Presents the use of a portable incinerator (however, only selected waste materials are suitable for destruction). Contact: USA (no further contact information was provided).] 7. Makarov SA, Simonov EA, Makarov VG, Kozlov AS. Method for determination of narcotic, psychotropic and offensive substances of plant and synthetic origin. Russ. RU 2,205,385 (Cl. G01N21/78) 27 May 2003, Appl. 2,002,103,845, 18 Feb 2002. [Editor's Notes: Appears to present a narcotics test kit (abstract is not clear). This patent is written in Russian. Contact: Russia (no further contact information was provided).] 8. Hu Y, Ning Z, Liu D. Determination of pterostilbene in Dragon's Blood by RP-HPLC. Yaowu Fenxi Zazhi 2002;22(6):428. [Editor's Notes: Presents the title study. This article is written in Chinese. Contact: Medical College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin 300162, Peop. Rep. China.] Additional References of Possible Interest: 1. Liau AS, Liu JT, Lin LC, Chiu YC, Shu YR, Tsai CC, Lin CH. Optimisation [sic] of a simple method for the chiral separation of methylamphetamine and related compounds in clandestine tablets and urine samples by beta-cyclodextrin modified capillary electrophoresis: A complementary method to GC-MS. Forensic Science International 2003;134(1):17. [Editor's Notes: Investigated compounds include methamphetamine, methcathinone, ephedrine, and pseudoephedrine. The focus is toxicology. Contact: Dept. of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, 88 Sec. 4, Tingchow Road, Taipei, Taiwan.] 2. Jarman JL, Seerley SI, Todebush RA, de Haseth JA. Semiautomated depositor for infrared microspectrometry. Applied Spectroscopy 2003;57(9):1078. [Editor's Notes: A novel method for depositing minute samples for IR microspectrometry is presented (the authors suggest applicability to forensic analyses). Contact: Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.] 3. Wadler GI. Future and designer drugs: Emerging science and technologies. Performance-Enhancing Substances in Sport and Exercise 2002:305. [Editor's Notes: Presents a review of performance enhancing drugs, with a discussion of new developments. Contact: Clinical Medicine, NYU School of Medicine (no further addressing information provided).] 4. Persky AM, Hochhaus G, Brazeau GA. Validation of a simple liquid chromatography assay for creatine suitable for pharmacokinetic applications, determination of plasma protein binding, and verification of percent labeled claim of various creatine products. Journal of Chromatography B - Analytical Technologies in the Biomedical and Life Sciences 2003;794(1):157. [Editor's Notes: Includes the analysis of OTC creatine containing products. Contact: AM Persky, Univ N Carolina, Sch Pharm, Div Drug Delivery & Disposit, CB 7360 Kerr Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.] 5. Qi ML, Wang P, Zhou L, Sun Y. Simultaneous determination of four active components in a compound formulation by liquid chromatography. Chromatographia 2003;58(3-4):183. [Editor's Notes: Describes a rapid and accurate LC method for determination of pseudoephedrine, acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine, in a compound formulation. Contact: ML Qi, Beijing Inst Technol, Sch Chem Engn & Mat Sci, Dept Chem, Beijing 100081, Peoples R China.] 6. Bicker W, Hebenstreit D, Lammerhofer M, Lindner W. Enantiomeric profiling in ephedrine samples by enantioselective capillary electrochromatography. Electrophoresis 2003;24(15):2532. [Editor's Notes: Presents a non-aqueous CEC method for ee analysis of ephedrine. Contact: M Lammerhofer, Wahringerstr 38, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.] 7. Libong D, Pirnay S, Bruneau C, Rogalewicz F, Ricordel I, Bouchonnet S. Adsorption-desorption effects in ion trap mass spectrometry using in situ ionization. Journal of Chromatography A 2003;1010(1):123. [Editor's Notes: Quadrupole mass spectrometers were compared for the GC/MS analyses of diazepam, alprazolam, triazolam, LSD, trimethylsilylated LSD, and trimethylsilylated buprenorphine. Contact: S Bouchonnet, Ecole Polytech, Dept Chim Mecanismes React, Route Saclay, F-91128 Palaiseau, France.] 8. Bazylak G, Nagels LJ. Simultaneous high-throughput determination of clenbuterol, ambroxol and bromhexine in pharmaceutical formulations by HPLC with potentiometric detection. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 2003;32(4-5):887. [Editor's Notes: The title analysis was performed using six different isocratic systems. Contact: G Bazylak, Univ Antwerp, RUCA, Dept Chem, Fac Sci & Biomed, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium.] 9. Altun A, Golcuk, Kumru M, Jalbout AF. Electron-conformational study for the structure-hallucinogenic activity relationships of phenylalkylamines. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 2003;11(18):3861. [Editor's Notes: Presents a theoretical study of the topic. Contact: A Altun, Faith Univ, Dept Phys, TR-34900 Istanbul, Turkey.] 10. Cottingham K. Ion mobility spectrometry rediscovered. Analytical Chemistry 2003;75(19):435A. [Editor's Notes: Presents a mini-review of IMS, focusing on potential applications in proteomics. Includes an overview of current instrumentation. Contact: No contact information was provided.] 11. Tseng YL, Hsu H-R, Kuo F-H, Shieh M-H, Chang C-F. Ephedrines in over-the-counter cold medicines and urine specimens collected during sport competitions. Journal of Analytical Toxicology 2003;27(6):359. [Editor's Notes: Presents an anlytical protocol using GC/NPD and GC/MS. Compounds include ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and methylephedrine. 91 OTC medications were analyzed. Contact: Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Doping Control Center, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.] 12. van Zundert M. Travel-pills, ecstasy pills, or Grandma's heart-rhythm pills? Pharmaceutisch Weekblad 2002;137(51/52):1825. [Editor's Notes: Appears to be a conversational overview presenting the use of TLC and GC for the identification of unknowns at a Dutch emergency pill identification lab. This article is written in Dutch. Contact: Netherlands (no further contact information was provided).] 13. Mortier KA, Dams R, Lambert WE, De Letter EA, Van Calenbergh S, De Leenheer AP. Determination of para-methoxyamphetamine and other amphetamine-related designer drugs by liquid chromatography/sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 2002 16(9):865. [Editor's Notes: The focus is on biological matrices; however, the authors indicate potential use for analysis of tablets, powders, or aqueous solutions. Contact: Laboratorium voor Toxicologie, Universiteit Gent, B-9000 Ghent, Belg.]
THE
DEA FY - 2004 STATE AND LOCAL The FY - 2004 schedule for the DEA=s State and Local Forensic Chemists Seminar is as follows:
Note that the school is open only to forensic chemists working for law enforcement agencies, and is intended for chemists who have completed their agency's internal training program and have also been working on the bench for at least one year. There is no tuition charge for this course. The course is held at the AmeriSuites Hotel in Sterling, Virginia (near the Washington/Dulles International Airport). A copy of the application form is appended onto the October 2003 issue of Microgram Bulletin, and should be mailed to the Special Testing and Research Laboratory (Attention: Pam Smith or Jennifer Kerlavage) at: 22624 Dulles Summit Court, Dulles, VA 20166. For additional information, call 703 668-3337.
1. Broward County Sheriff=s Office (BSO) (Third and Final Posting) Position: Crime Laboratory Manager Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida Salary Range: To Be Determined. Application Deadline: Open Until Filled Duties: This position directs, administers and manages all forensic services functions for the BSO. Critical functions under charge include the Crime Laboratory, Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), and Latent Identification. Employees in this classification maintain responsibility for the direction, and management of personnel engaged in latent and ten-print identification, audio/video enhancements, quality control/quality assurance, DNA analysis, firearms and tool mark identification, forensic chemistry, questioned documents examination, and trace evidence analysis. Qualifications: A Master's degree in chemistry, biology, or another physical science is required; a Ph.D. is preferred. The position also requires ten years experience that includes advanced forensic chemistry, biology or criminalistics preferably in a large national, state or regional laboratory. Thorough knowledge of DNA processing and American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) certification required; certification by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) preferred. Experience in a managerial capacity with responsibility for administrative aspects of the work strongly desired. Application Procedures: You may view a detailed job description, download an application or apply on-line at: www.sheriff.org. A completed application and accompanying resume will also be accepted by mail: Broward Sheriff's Office, Human Resources Bureau, 2601 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. EOE M/F/D/V DFWP * * * * * 2. Ohio University (Third and Final Posting) Position: Assistant/Associate Professor of Forensic Chemistry Location: Athens, Ohio Salary: [Not Listed] Application Deadline: Open Until Filled Duties: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry invites applications for a tenure-track position as an assistant/associate professor of forensic chemistry. We seek a chemist with postdoctoral or related experience and a research interest in forensic chemistry or related fields (toxicology, DNA typing, homeland security, etc.) General Requirements: The successful applicant will be expected to have a Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field, and to establish a vigorous research program that will attract external funding. Candidates should be prepared to teach general chemistry as well as courses in their area of specialization at both the undergraduate and graduate (M.S. and Ph. D.) levels. Application Procedure: Submit a curriculum vita, a research plan, a statement of teaching philosophy, and arrange to have at least three letters of recommendation sent to: Chair, Search Committee, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clippinger Laboratories, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979. Review of applications will begin on September 22, and will continue until the position is filled. Further information on the College of Arts and Sciences can be viewed at http://www.cas.ohiou.edu and on the position and the department at http://www.chem.ohiou.edu Minority and female applicants are especially encouraged to apply. Ohio University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. * * * * * 3. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Second and Final Posting) Position: Laboratory Chief Location: Walnut Creek, California (Contra Costa County, San Francisco area) Salary: $101,351 to $143,500, dependent on qualifications. Application Deadline: November 25, 2003 Duties and General Requirements: The successful applicant should possess a B.S. degree in chemistry or other physical science. The position also requires passage of a background investigation and a top-secret clearance. The applicant will be measured against the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: * Knowledge of the forensic sciences and their application to law enforcement programs. (Prior experience supporting explosives, fire debris, trace evidence and/or firearm enforcement programs is desirable, but not required.) * Knowledge of the theory and practice of management and the ability to manage people, programs and the resources of a laboratory. * Ability to independently identify and solve problems. * Ability to represent ATF at all levels, including internationally; and to work with others to accomplish goals, routinely dealing with representatives from other venues with conflicting priorities. * Ability to communicate effectively in both scientific and managerial arenas, verbally and in writing. Application Procedure: The full vacancy announcement (DPO-A03-027) and application materials may be found at: http://jsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/summary.asp?OPMControl=110767 Relocation expenses may be provided. NOTE!: Due to problems in the personnel office, anyone who has previously applied for this position is advised to resubmit their application!
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Fair and effective measurement of employee performance is an essential function of management. Formal performance measures articulate productivity norms and quality expectations. In forensic laboratories, performance measures are particularly important if there are large examination backlogs (as is typically the case at the present time). Large backlogs foment a crisis attitude, and can easily lead to rushed examinations, cursory reviews, and eventually acceptance of substandard work. Even without such problems, however, there is always the requirement to determine that the examiner's work product is thorough and meets the laboratory's standards with regard to sufficiency of examination. The subdiscipline of digital evidence, while still relatively new to the forensic science community, shares a strong interest in developing performance criteria that are accurate, easy to implement, and encompass both qualitative and quantitative measures. Qualitative Measures Qualitative measurement of an examiner's digital evidence examination can be assessed on two levels: Means and Ends. First, the interim tasks (means) that are common to all examination activities can be reduced to a checklist and monitored. The list should include interim work product assessments that are part of the examiner's case notes. Examples of this type of qualitative measurement could include questions such as: Is the case folder properly organized (yes/no)?; Are the laboratory's standard forms thoroughly completed (yes/no)?; and Are there any factual errors such as incorrect serial numbers, computer/hard drive make and model information, or case number (yes/no)? DEA has implemented an examination report checklist to document examiner's performance on each report of examination submitted for technical review. The use of clear evaluation criteria that can be answered with a simple yes or no answer has been accepted by the laboratory staff as both reasonable and objective. However, a full qualitative measure of examiner performance must include an assessment of the end product. Inevitably, this part of the performance measurement process is subjective. Nonetheless, evaluation of an examiner's overall performance needs to be conducted. Ideally, such evaluations are conducted using published standards that are contained in the laboratory's standard operating procedures or quality assurance manual. Basic ends type evaluation criteria should include factors such as: Thoroughness of the examination effort, an evaluation of the examination effort based upon the scope of the search warrant, and an understanding of the investigative information needs of the case. In most instances, this type of performance measure is best provided by supervisory laboratory management that is/are directly involved with the case management decisions regarding the examiner's level of effort. Quantitative Measures Quantitative measurements in a digital evidence laboratory can be exceedingly complex. The goal of all quantitative measures should be to identify measurement criteria that accurately reflect examiner work effort as well as productivity. The former is a measurement of resource inputs, such as examiner time, while the latter characterizes examination output, such as number of hard drives searched. Comparison of qualitative measures of examiner performance is possible only when the examination activities are similar. For example, all DEA digital evidence examiners can be compared to one another because they all perform highly similar activities, i.e., examination of computers seized in drug cases, which are analyzed according to the same laboratory operating procedures. In contrast, however, many state crime laboratories may have their examiners performing a wide variety of digital evidence examinations. In such cases, the scope of examination will significantly differ. For example, child exploitation, fraud, computer hacking, intellectual property theft, and capital crimes such as murder or kidnapping, will each have unique aspects which will require differing amount of examiner time. This is a proverbial "apples and oranges" comparison problem. DEA has measured its examiner's time input and exhibit completion rate for the last several years. The average DEA examiner analyzing drug cases utilizes 55 - 57% of their time performing evidence examination work. Another 10% of the average examiner's time is spent in performing other essential enforcement related activities such providing on-site computer backup support to DEA investigative personnel, or providing court testimony. Collection of laboratory staff work hour activity facilitates assessment of how much work each individual examiner is performing. However, care must be taken to account for important collateral duty assignments that may impact on evidence examination time. Tasks such as method validation or technical training are legitimate time-consuming activities, especially for senior staffers. Nonetheless, it is relatively straightforward for any individual examiner's work hour allocation to be assessed by comparing an individual's performance against the laboratory average. Examiner output can be measured using the same technique. DEA has found that the average digital evidence exhibit (consisting of a computer hard drive, box of diskettes, zip disks, CDs and alike) takes approximately 37 work hours to examine. This average number has proven to be extremely stable over the last two years despite larger hard drive capacities encountered, because of the concurrent use of faster/better examination hardware and software. Utilizing a laboratory management information system (LIMS) to collect data permits individual examiner data to be compared to the laboratory average. Individual assignments can vary significantly and the amount of work hours expended will vary commensurately. For example, the time needed to process a box of 10 diskettes is minimal compared to the recovery of data from a network server. However, if all assignments are more or less distributed equally over time, then quantitative differences in examiner output can be discerned. The collection of both qualitative and quantitative data is integral to effective examiner performance measurement. A LIMS must be in place to track both resource inputs and work product outputs. It is important that comparisons among digital evidence examiners be fairly derived, and that measurable differences in performance be assessed for significance. All assessments must account for examiner collateral duty assignments, experience level, and training, before any substantive conclusions are drawn. Nonetheless, performance is measurable, and is essential for effective examiner assessment, for laboratory workload evaluation, and for budget planning purposes. Questions or comments? e-mail: mphelan@erols.com |
