WHAT IS THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, OPERATIONS POLICY AND SUPPORT, OFFICE OF FORENSICS (CI) DIVISION? Criminal Investigation is the investigative and law enforcement arm of the IRS. The American system of voluntary tax compliance relies heavily on self-assessments of what tax is owed. When individuals or corporations deliberately don't comply with the tax laws, Criminal Investigation responds with financial investigations and potential criminal prosecutions to promote compliance and confidence in the fairness of the tax system.

WHAT DOES A PHYSICAL SCIENTIST DO? A Physical Scientist examines and reaches conclusions regarding the physical properties of questioned inks, papers and other writing, printing or recording materials, copy machine toners and writing instruments. Conceives, plans, and conducts complex research in the areas of computer assisted and physical examinations of documents. Furnishes oral and written reports regarding opinions on examination findings. A Physical Scientist also examines and reaches conclusions regarding documentary evidence such as handwriting, hand printing, numerals, typewriting and mechanical impressions, printing processes, indented writing, physical matches, and obliterations and alterations.

As a Physical Scientist you will:

• Particpate with Criminal Investigation (CI) personnel nationwide in conducting investigations in the specialized and non-specialized aspects of document examination.
• Apply new developments to critical and complex examinations and develop new methods and techniqes to validate findings.
• Examine questioned entries/documents using various techniques such as chemical tests or special lighting effects and/or imaging techniques to determine how and when a document may have been prepared; the first date of production of questioned inks; comparison of properties of inks papers or other printing media to determine similarities and/or differences in those properties; and render opinions as to the existence and nature of any material alteration on such documents.
• Conduct different types of analysis such as examining and matching perforated or torn edges to determine whether two documents were once joined; process documents to develop indented impressions; identify writing media used to prepare documents; and compare questioned and known handwriting, hand printing and numerals to establish authorship, if and when such training has been successfully completed.
• Develop comprehensive conclusions, and prepare and furnish oral and written reports clearly stating the findings of examinations conducted.
• Study, test, and sample inks, papers and other writing media to further develop libraries or catalogues used for comparisons, identification or questions regarding dating.
• Explain and provide nontechnical, technical advice or other complex information orally in subject matter area to others, to include giving presentations to laboratory guests or customers, and conferring regularly with United States Attorneys, agents and other investigators.
• Evaluate equipment and techniques pertaining to inks, papers, and other questioned document examinations, and provide the results to management.
• Prepare demonstrative charts and exhibits to explain testimony, furnish depositions, or testify before grand juries and in courts of law.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OTHER IRS CAREERS? If you want to find out more about IRS careers, visit us on the web at www.jobs.irs.gov