Forensic Chemistry Section are available on SharePoint or with the Forensic Lab Director. 4.1.5.g Line Supervision (conducted by a Chemist II) within the FCS is designed to ensure adequate supervision of testing staff, including trainees, by persons familiar with and certified in the methods and procedures associated with the testing. Personnel evaluations and development plans are conducted yearly following established Maine Department of Human Resources procedures. 4.1.5.h The Forensic Lab Director (Chemist III) has the overall responsibility for the technical operations and the provision of resources needed to ensure the required quality of laboratory operations within the FCS. 4.1.5.h.1 The Forensic Lab Director or Chief of Laboratory Operations shall designate technical responsibility for each discipline/category of testing. Each designee shall have appropriate technical training and technical experience in their area(s) of responsibility. 4.1.5.i The Quality Manager has defined responsibilities and authority for ensuring that the quality management system is implemented and followed at all times. The Quality Manager is responsible for the preparation, issue, review, audit and upkeep of the Quality Program. The responsibilities of the Quality Manager include: Maintain / Update the Quality Manual Evaluate instrument calibration and maintenance records Assessing the adequacy of test report reviews (Technical and Administrative) Validate (and/or assist with) new technical procedures Investigate technical problems, propose corrective actions, verify their implementation Administer proficiency tests and evaluate results Select, train, and evaluate internal auditors Schedule and coordinate quality system audits Evaluate results of quality system audits Maintain training records of laboratory personnel Recommend training to improve the knowlege of laboratory personnel Propose corrections and improvements within the quality system The Quality Manager has direct access to the highest level of management at which decisions are made concerning laboratory policy and/or resources. 4.1.5.j When necessary the Forensic Lab Director will appoint a staff member to act on their behalf during the Forensic Lab Director’s absence. 4.1.5.k The Forensic Lab Director and/or the Quality Manager will ensure personnel are made aware of the relevance and importance of their activities and how they contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the quality management system (see 4.1) through training, laboratory meetings and/or electronic communications.
Specific Objectives: Deviations Minor deviations may be initiated with the concurrence of the Forensic Lab Director / Quality Manager. The deviation will be documented in the case notes when applicable to casework and with relevant materials for non-case work activities. The concurrence of the Forensic Lab Director / Quality Manager will be documented alongside of the description of the deviation. When there is a need for a major deviation from a policy, procedure or requirement, the requestor will complete a Deviation Request Form (SharePoint). The requestor will: indicate the applicable policy, procedure or requirement; describe the requested deviation; specify the instance(s) for which the deviation is requested; and state the reason for the deviation. The requestor will then submit the Deviation Request form to the Forensic Lab Director / Quality Manager for authorization. The Forensic Lab Director / Quality Manager will: evaluate the of the deviation from a technical viewpoint. The Forensic Lab Director / Quality Manager will determine the negative consequences and/or risks introduced by the proposed change. These may include, but are not limited to: contamination, security, defensibility, integrity and safety. If the merit of the proposed change outweighs the risks and drawbacks, the Forensic Lab Director / Quality Manager may authorize the technical aspect of the deviation, and specify a duration period for the deviation. Copies of the Deviation will be placed in the respective case folders. 5.4.2 Selection of Methods All the methods used by the FCS shall: Meet the clients’ and are appropriate for the tests conducted and reported Preferably those that are published in peer reviewed journals and authoritative texts and are based on the latest standards accepted in those areas of forensic science (if possible and appropriate). Validated or well recognized and accepted in the respective scientific fields. The procedures to be used for examination (except as indicated in 5.4.4) in the laboratory shall be only those that have been approved and are included in the appropriate procedure manuals. During the validation process, qualified personnel be assigned to the process and shall maintain effective communication with the supervisors and the members of the section by giving feedback during regular meetings of each section as well as by personal discussions. 5.4.3. Laboratory Developed Methods