Breath Alcohol Technicians play a vital role in this process by installing and performing maintenance and performance checks of electronic breath alcohol testing equipment used in DUI cases.  Work is done both in the field and in a laboratory setting.  The technician will be assigned to a set, service area throughout KY.  Since travel is required, a state vehicle is generally provided.  Breath Alcohol Technicians are also expected to testify to the results of their work in court and other legal proceedings.

The training program may include electronic repairs of portable and stationary breath testing equipment used, basic laboratory safety and checks, and testimony and legal proceedings.  The training and probationary period is 6 months.  The Breath Alcohol Technician I position offers opportunities for promotion to Breath Alcohol Technician II and III after one year and four years of experience plus required certifications.

A Forensic Chemist may be hired for Toxicology, Drug Chemistry, or Trace Analysis.  Forensic Chemists in Toxicology process blood and urine through a series of chemical and instrumental tests for DUI cases.  Forensic Chemists in Drug Chemistry analyze and report results on seized drug evidence using various chemical and instrumental tests.  Forensic Chemists in Trace Analysis will be trained to work several different disciplines within the Trace Analysis section.  Due to the nature of Trace Analysis, evidence submissions may include items collected in suspected arson cases, hairs, fibers, glass, paint chips, suspected gun-shot residue, and unknown specimens believed to be something other than drugs.

The Forensic Chemist Training Program lasts approximately one year and includes pertinent reading assignments, practical examinations on known specimens, a mock trial for testimony, and a competency test for each discipline for which an analyst works cases.  Upon successful completion of the training program, the newly trained analyst will generally process casework under the direction of experienced analysts for a set period of time.

Forensic Firearms & Toolmarks Examiners process firearm and impression evidence using comparison microscopy and chemical tests.  The Forensic Firearms & Toolmarks Examiners Training Program lasts approximately one year and includes practical examinations, mock trials for testimony, and a competency test prior to beginning casework.  The trainee will learn how to perform serial number restorations, muzzle to garment distance determinations, process impressions, and comparisons of bullets and firearms.

Forensic Biologists will be hired for Serological Analysis, DNA Casework, or DNA Database.  Serological analysts screen evidence for the presence of blood, semen, and saliva.  If found, the serologist will take a sample and forward it for DNA analysis.  DNA Casework analysts will process the positive serological samples for DNA.  The DNA Database analyst will process DNA profiles of convicted offenders to be entered into a database which can be searched to link DNA profiles to other crimes providing investigative leads.  The training program lasts approximately one year and includes reading assignments, practical examinations, mock trials for testimony, and competency exams.