Forensic science technicians held about 14,400 jobs in 2014. About 88 percent forensic science technicians work in state and local government in the following workplaces:
Police departments and offices
Crime laboratories
Morgues
Medical examiner/coroner offices
Forensic science technicians may have to work outside in all types of weather, spend many hours in laboratories and offices, or do some combination of both. They often work in groups or teams with specialists and other law enforcement personnel. Many specialist forensic science technicians work only in laboratories.
Crime scene investigators travel throughout their jurisdictions, which may be cities, counties, or states. Crimes can happen anywhere, so crime scene investigators and criminalists, especially at the state level, may experience a considerable amount of travel.
Crime scene investigators regularly see the results of violent crime.
Work Schedules
Most laboratory forensic science technicians work full time during standard hours. Crime scene investigators may work staggered day, evening, or night shifts and may have to work overtime because they must always be available to collect or analyze evidence. Technicians working in laboratories usually work a standard workweek, although they may have to be on call outside of normal business hours if they are needed to work immediately on a case. Small police departments may have to rely on part-time forensic science technicians.