The search is on for a new director for the state crime lab. Gene Meyer, Director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, says it’s an important job in the state law-enforcement system. In this era of forensic science, Meyer says the manager of the crime lab performs a very important function within the D-C-I.
The popularity of T-V crime-lab shows may have sparked public interest, but Meyer says they may show a more glamorous than realistic view of the job. “I’m not sure anything’s as ‘whiz-bang’ as we see on shows today, Meyer says. “Certainly many of the things that they do we’re capable of doing in our crime lab, it’s just that we can’t do them in 42 minutes.”
The job’s not for beginners, as Meyer says they’re looking for someone with years of experience in running a crime lab as well as a wide range of technical expertise.
They’re looking for someone who’s a leader and a manager, but must also have knowledge in the principles and practices of chemistry, biology, physics, toxicology and micro-analysis as they relate to the field of forensic science.
There are several crime labs around the country, and Meyer says one thing about the popular C-S-I television show is how it’s stimulated interest in forensic work in law-enforcement. He says the job opening’s posted on several national websites and the state will be taking applications through the end of this month. The D-C-I director anticipates they’ll look over applications, narrow them down, do some interviews and with any luck be ready to hire a new crime lab director by the first of March.