Department of Civil Service

Description:

The Seized Drugs Section analyzes substances seized under the state's laws restricting the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of abusive-type drugs. Case submission types include drug sales, possessions, clandestine drug labs, overdoses, date rapes, and drug substitution cases.

Evidence that is suspected of containing a controlled substance (as defined by the New York State Public Health Law, Section 3306) is generally weighed and tested using a combination of preliminary and confirmatory tests. Techniques and instrumentation utilized include color tests, thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and liquid chromatography. Some substances require quantitative analysis for purity determination.

As New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are increasing in prevalence, the Seized Drugs Section must consistently adapt to be able to recognize and confirm new analogues and designer drugs.

Skills:

good writing skills

good research skills

hands-on lab experience

Internship Areas: Criminal Justice/Corrections, Investigations, Pharmaceutical, Scientific Research