Forensic Chemists are normally holders of B.S. degrees in chemistry, however, other closely related physical science degrees are considered if 20 to 30 semester hours college level chemistry is demonstrated.  These highly trained scientists identify ‘hard’ (non-biological) controlled substances to include prescribed drugs being used either illicitly, illicit manufacturing or trafficking.  These scientists receive additional training from the Federal DEA  (Drug Enforcement Administration).  State Forensic Chemists often work closely with Federal DEA Agents in clandestine laboratory operations.

Forensic Drug Analysts, often referred to as Drug Chemists, are generally employed by law enforcement agencies but  are now rarely certified (class one) officers but may be hired and received police academy training for class three law enforcement officers.  Class one officers have arrest powers, thereby, are issued agency equipment to include firearms and official cars.  Class three law enforcement officers are limited duty officers whose primary duty is to a specific location. Class three officers are not issued neither weapons nor official vehicles.  This is the national trend in order to attract potential employees through a higher, competitive salary.

In the typical full service laboratory, generally state laboratories, over two-thirds of the entire evidence submissions are sent to the drug analysis department. These analysts are highly trained and skilled at identifying controlled substances, both legal and illegal; poisons in portal drinkable substances and foods.  These analysts are sometimes called upon by high school officials to present anti-drug topics but due to the large volume of case submissions only a limited number, if any, may be given. As in all cases, forensic laboratories do not accept case submissions directly from the public. This means that if a parent suspects illegal drugs or drug use by a sibling, the parent can not submit these substances directly to a lab for analysis.  Submitted evidence must be submitted by a law enforcement agency, therefore, making the submission criminal in nature.  Forensic drug analysts also work very closely with narcotic agents and Drug Administration Agency (DEA) agents on clandestine laboratories operations. Due to the high danger level involved, drug chemist are trained by the DEA before responding to any clandestine operation bust.

Visual perception and experience of the drug analyst while examining evidentiary submission come into play when examining inconsistent appearance of the drug.

The evidence may be composed of a single or multiple myriad of adulterants which add to the complexity of the submission. These adulterants are added to the controlled substance by drug dealers to increase the weight of their illegal bounty, thereby, increasing their profits. These adulterants can be harmful to their customers but this does not concern the drug dealer.

How are drugs analyzed in the laboratory?

• Presumptive or Screening Tests: Presumptive tests are incorporated into the initial step in identifying the unknown substance to lower the number of possible unknowns. Once the possible number of identities is reduced, the forensic drug chemist is then charged with the task of confirming the identity of the illegal drug or controlled substance. Presumptive tests may include the combination of color tests, macroscopic comparison, microcrystalline test, thin layer chromatography, Ultra Violet (UV). Infrared (IR) and/or Raman analysis.
• Confirmatory Tests: Confirmatory tests specially identify the unknown substance to 99.9% certainty.  Instruments used to specially identify unknown submissions include gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometer (GC/MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).

Forensic Drug Chemistry as a career: 

Forensic Drug Analysis is an interesting and challenging field with a myriad of evidentiary submissions each year which range from the mundane to the exotic.  Many days there may be 15 cases that all look identical, but there are days when a search warrant has been served or a death investigation is underway, when the submissions are unique and keep the drug chemist fully engaged and excited about using training and experience to find the answer(s) to his/her piece of a complex puzzle known as forensics.

Educational Requirements:

• B.S. in chemistry or related natural science with at least 24 semester hours of chemistry (to include general chemistry, organic chemistry, and quantitative analysis).
• Satisfactory completion of an in-house forensic dug chemist training program.
• Completion of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seminar.
• Scoring of 80% or better on in-house drug chemist written examination.
• Scoring of 80% or better on a practical evidentiary examination to include case work-up and presentation in an in-house mock court.
• Certification through the American Board of Criminalistics may be required, depending on agency.