Forensic Science Technicians

Career summary

#closest match is 2616 forensic scientists, check 2/23/15 lh

Forensic scientists usually specialize in one of the following areas:

• Crime scene investigation
• Laboratory analysis

Crime scene investigation

Crime scene investigators determine what and how much evidence to collect. They take photos and make sketches of the crime scene. They collect physical evidence that includes:

• Bloodstains
• Drugs
• Pieces of clothing
• Weapons
• Fibers
• Hair

Laboratory analysis

Forensic science technicians who work in laboratories examine the evidence in order to reconstruct the crime scene. They try to determine the relationships among all the evidence in order to link a suspect to the crime.

Technicians analyze guns and tool marks. If a gun was used, they may analyze bullets, gunshot residue, and the paths bullets take when shot. They examine weapons left at the scene to see if they were legally obtained and identify the owner.

Technicians also analyze impression evidence. This may be a shoe or tire print made in soil or bite marks in food. They also analyze body fluid evidence, such as bloodstains or saliva. They may look for poisons, illnesses, or drugs.

Forensic science technicians interpret lab findings and often confer with experts or other technicians. They might consult a medical expert about the exact time and cause of a death. They might also consult a technician who specializes in DNA typing.

Forensic science technicians prepare reports of their findings. They keep records of their investigation methods and lab techniques. Technicians often have to testify in court about evidence or lab work.

Forensic science technicians are also known as criminalists.

Related careers

This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Chemists
• Compliance Officers and Inspectors
• Conservation Scientists
• Coroners
• Detectives and Investigators
• Environmental Scientists
• Fire Inspectors
• Fire Investigators
• High School Teachers
• Medical Laboratory Technicians
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
• Science Technicians
• Transportation Inspectors

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to forensic science technicians.

• Collect and preserve physical evidence, using proper collection and storage methods.
• Reconstruct crime scene to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
• Examine, test, or analyze physical evidence such as fibers, fingerprints, or bullets.
• Analyze fluid evidence from bloodstains or saliva.
• Examine DNA samples to see if they match other samples.
• Interpret laboratory findings to identify physical evidence and provide a link to the suspect.
• Prepare reports of findings, investigative methods, or lab techniques.
• Confer with other experts about the interpretation of evidence.
• May specialize in one or more types of evidence.
• Testify as expert witnesses on evidence or laboratory techniques in trials or hearings.

Common work activities

Forensic science technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Document and record information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Process information
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Use computers
• Analyze data or information
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Perform administrative tasks
• Perform for or work with the public
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Control machines and processes
• Evaluate information against standards
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Teach others
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Handle and move objects

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, forensic science technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social contact. They often work closely with investigators and other experts.
• Are moderately responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Communicate daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They communicate less often by letters and memos.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.
• Are moderately responsible for the work done by others.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors when analyzing evidence.
• Sometimes work outdoors when collecting evidence. They also travel to crime scenes by car, usually once a week.
• Often wear protective and disposable clothing, such as gloves and paper suits, when handling physical evidence.
• Are sometimes exposed to disease or other contaminants contained in physical evidence.
• Are exposed to hazardous conditions on a weekly basis.
• Occasionally are exposed to loud sounds and noises.
• Work closely to others. They often share the same work space with other technicians and analysts.
• Sometimes must work in either very bright or dim lighting conditions.

Work performance

• Must be extremely exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors or omissions could impair an investigation.
• May at times repeat the same activities over and over, especially when running routine tests.
• Make decisions that affect others on a daily basis. They can make most decisions without consulting a supervisor, but may consult others for specific tests or analyses.
• Can set some tasks and goals for the day, but often get directions from investigators first.
• Are moderately aware of job pressures. Certain cases may be especially difficult.
• Abide by strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a 40-hour week.
• May be required to be on-call to collect evidence at crime scenes. However, most work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Forensic science technicians frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for forensic science technicians to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for forensic science technicians to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.

Skills and abilities

Forensic science technicians need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Criminology
• Forensic Science

Other programs of study to consider

• Biological Sciences, General
• Chemistry
• Medical Laboratory Assisting
• Medical Laboratory Science

Training

To work as a forensic science technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in science or a science-related technology; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Most forensic science technicians have a bachelor's degree in applied science or technology. Some have a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry. It is possible to work as a technician if you do not have a bachelor's degree in a life science. However, you need to take many science and math courses in college. Physics and chemistry are especially important. Courses with a laboratory component are also vital.

Work experience

A summer job in a lab is excellent preparation for working in this field.

On-the-job training

While in school, you should consider participating in an internship in a forensic science lab. This experience is very helpful for getting a job. Once on the job, you will receive additional training. The length of training varies by employer. Some labs provide up to one year of training.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Forensic science technicians need a strong background in math and science. Take as many advanced classes as you can.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Applications
• Criminology

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who have laboratory experience. Such experience may come from coursework or from work experience, such as internships. Forensic experience is very helpful. Some employers prefer applicants who have a master's degree in criminalistics or forensic science. Others require only a bachelor's degree.

It is important for people in this field to be able to derive and present their findings without bias.

#Removed comments about seeking national certification after seeing Frontline documentary, "The Real CSI", which aired 4/17/12, especially with its review and critique of the American College of Forensic Examners International and its method for awarding certification. Also questions about the supposed "science" behind fingerprint examining techniques, bite marks, etc. with DNA presented as the main technique based on scientific methodologies, cj

Tips

Take as much science as possible while in school. To learn more about this job, contact a police department that has a crime lab and ask if you can tour its facility.

Costs to workers

Workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Those who voluntarily seek certification within their specialty area may need to pay an examination and certification fee. Workers who join a union must pay an initiation fee and quarterly dues.

#Tech job w/ WA State Patrol 4/3/12 states must join union. Cj

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Forensic Science Technicians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and the technician's level of education and responsibility.

Technicians who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook for forensic science technicians is affected by population growth, the crime rate, and funding for federal, state, and local criminal investigative work. Scientific analysis of evidence is often used extensively by both the prosecution and defense in criminal cases. Washington has a small number of workers in this occupation, so competition for jobs will be strong.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to be very strong. Most growth will come in digital forensics and DNA specialties. Because most technicians work for government agencies, growth in this occupation is related to funding for their departments.

Competition for jobs will be strong because of the interest in forensic science and crime scene investigation created by television shows. Those with an advanced degree should have the best prospects.

Other resources

Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences 

American Academy of Forensic Sciences 
410 North 21st Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
719.636.1100

American Chemical Society 
1155 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.227.5558

American Society of Criminology 
1314 Kinnear Road, Suite 212
Columbus, OH 43212
614.292.9207

American Society of Questioned Document Examiners 
P.O. Box 15831
Long Beach, CA 90815
562.253.2589

Explore Health Careers: Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) 

International Association for Identification 
2131 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 403
Hollywood, FL 33020
954.589.0628

National Association of Medical Examiners 
362 Bristol Road
Walnut Shade, MO 65771
660.734.1891

Society of Forensic Toxicologists, Inc. 
1955 W. Baseline Rd. Ste 113-442
Mesa, AZ 85202
888.866.7638

What is Forensic Toxicology?  

Young Forensic Scientists Forum 

References

Career cluster

• Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Forensic Science Technicians (19-4092.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Ballistics Expert, Forensic (199.267-010) 
• Criminalist (029.261-026) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Science Skilled