The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $53,567 per year to $75,450 per year, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

WHO WE ARE

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 800 support personnel. The Police Department was established in 1922, and today is responsible for providing service to a County with a population of over one million people.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) is seeking an entry-level laboratory assistant to serve in the Electronic Crimes Unit for the Montgomery County Police Crime Laboratory in the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division.

About the Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division (FSEMD)

Our mission is to deliver high-quality forensic services with accuracy, integrity, efficiency, and impartiality to support the administration of justice and serve the community. We continuously strive to achieve excellence in forensic science through transparency, rigorous standards, and ongoing training. Our commitment to collaboration with law enforcement, legal professionals, and the community fosters trust and contributes to a safer society.

Position Requirements

Please see below required and preferred criteria for each level and be certain to address all required and preferred criteria for the level to which you are applying.

Why Join MCPD?

As a leader in forensic science and evidence management, MCPD offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety and the justice system. You will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and service to the community.

The Laboratory Assistant provides essential technical and administrative support to the Electronic Crimes Unit. This role ensures the integrity of criminal investigations by assisting with the case management system, forensic processing of digital evidence, maintaining specialized equipment, and ensuring strict adherence to accreditation and quality assurance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the forensic imaging, processing, and examination of electronic devices and storage media.
• Prepare forensic data for investigator review and conduct rigorous performance checks on forensic tools and software.
• Maintain laboratory operations in alignment with accreditation standards and quality assurance protocols.
• Requesting and receiving evidence, maintaining chain of custody, barcoding evidence and transport evidence.
• Assisting with accreditations standards and performance checks of tools and equipment, maintaining inventory, and maintaining and providing minor repairs of computers and equipment in the laboratory.
• Assisting with organizing of case submissions and evidence in the lab.
• Provide courtroom testimony, manage unit databases, oversee supply procurement, and support the presentation of evidence within the criminal justice system.

Work of a forensic laboratory assistant involves prolonged periods of standing and bending while assisting with analyses, as well as lifting and carrying objects weighing twenty (20) to fifty (50) pounds. All laboratory assistant work requires sufficient hand dexterity to collect, examine, and process physical evidence.

Prior to appointment, all applicants must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, medical evaluation, and drug/alcohol screen.

This position requires off-site work.

Due to the key job responsibilities, this position is not qualified to telework and is an in-person, on-site position only.

Experience: One (1) year of experience working in a laboratory environment.

EducationCompletion of high school or High School Certificate of completion recognized in the State of Maryland.

Equivalency: None

LICENSE: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s State of residence.

• Experience conducting quality assurance/quality control activities, and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment in an ISO accredited lab.
• 30 college credits (equal to one year of academic study) with classes in natural, physical, computer science, or forensic science.