Forensic Science Technicians
Additional Information
Duties
Forensic science technicians work in forensic science labs and at crime scenes. At crime scenes, forensic scientists frequently do the following:
- Analyze crime scenes to determine what evidence to collect and how to acquire it.
- Take photos of the scene and proof.
- Inquire about the crime scene and draw it out.
- Document the evidence's location and position.
- Collect evidence such as firearms, fingerprints, and bodily fluids to prosecute the criminals.
- Keep track of evidence for forensic labs.
- Recreate a crime.
They generally perform the following duties in a lab:
- Analyze the chemical, biological, and microscopic components of crime scene evidence.
- DNA and other scientific testing can help tie suspects to crimes they may have committed.
- Seek the opinion of experts in fields like toxicology and odontology (a branch of forensic medicine that concentrates on teeth).
Some forensic science technicians are generalists, covering all of the above duties, while others specialize in certain processes or scientific subjects. Generalist forensic science technicians collect evidence at crime scenes and analyze it in laboratories or offices.
Workers in forensic science laboratories may specialize in natural sciences or engineering. Forensic biologists and chemists use chemicals and microscopes to investigate evidence. Investigators can also use computers to analyze DNA, chemicals, and other evidence collected at crime scenes. They frequently try to connect evidence to known people or objects, such vehicles or guns. Most forensic scientists specialize in one sort of evidence, such DNA or ballistics.
Forensic computer examiners and digital forensic analysts specialize in computer-related crimes. They investigate and prosecute electronic fraud, fraud, and identity theft. The cops are helped by the amount of digital data as well as solving digital crimes. Because evidence integrity is so important in court, computer forensics practitioners must collect evidence to the same high standards as forensic scientists.
Education
Bachelor's degree holders in physical science, biology, or forensics are generally required to serve as forensic science technicians. A forensic science program may cover toxicology, pathology, or DNA. Students in natural science degrees should take forensic science courses. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences lists accredited forensic science colleges and universities. Many forensic science technicians need a bachelor's degree in natural sciences and a master's in forensic science.
Criminalists are often sworn policemen who have fulfilled the educational requirements for entrance into a police school. Civilian crime scene investigators should have a bachelor's degree in forensic science or natural sciences with a solid scientific background. See the section on police and detectives for more details.
Training
Forensic science technicians must be trained on the job before working independently.
Newly recruited crime scene investigators may shadow more experienced investigators to learn correct evidence collection and documentation processes.
Working in a forensics lab allows them to specialize. This training usually takes less than a year. Technicians may be required to pass a competency exam or be accredited before working independently.
To collect and analyze evidence to the best of their abilities, forensic science experts must keep up with advances in technology and science.
Licenses and certifications.
Obtaining various licenses and credentials might help certify and enhance forensic science specialists' professions. Certifications and licenses aren't usually required to get started. Credentials might vary substantially depending on the jurisdiction's standards and rules.
Success-oriented traits
Language and communication skills. Forensic scientists write reports and testify in court. They frequently work with other law enforcement agencies and experts.
Analytical skills When comparing physical evidence to suspects, forensic scientists use their best judgment.
Dedicated to precision. Solicitors must be able to detect minute changes in everyday objects to gather and assess evidence.
Math and science prowess A forensic science technician must be well-versed in statistics and natural sciences.
Problem-solving skills Forensic science technicians use scientific testing and methods to help solve crimes.
Pay
A forensic science technician's salary in May 2020 was $60,590 on average. It is the salary at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. At least $36,630 went to the bottom 10% of earners, and at least $100,000 went to the top 10% of earners.
Job Projections
Forensic science technicians' employment is expected to expand by 16 percent between 2020 and 2030, substantially faster than the average for all occupations.