Forensic Science Technicians :: Job Description

ExistingUsers

User Name:

Password:

Forgot your password?
Click here

NewUsers

FeaturedResources

Forensic Science Technicians

Careers / Forensic Science Technicians

Summary Description


	Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Ballistic Expert

2.	Ballistic Technician

3.	Ballistician

4.	Ballistics Expert

5.	Biometric Fingerprinting Technician

6.	Computer Forensics Technician

7.	Crime Lab Technician

8.	Crime Laboratory Analyst

9.	Crime Scene Analyst

10.	Crime Scene Examiner

11.	Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech)

12.	Crime Specialist

13.	Criminalist Technician

14.	Criminologist

15.	CSI (Crime Scene Investigator)

16.	Digital Forensic Examiner

17.	DNA Analyst (Deoxyribonucleic Acid Analyst)

18.	Evidence Specialist

19.	Evidence Technician

20.	Fingerprint Classifier

21.	Fingerprint Expert

22.	Fingerprint Technician

23.	Firearms Specialist

24.	Forensic Ballistics Expert

25.	Forensic Computer Examiner

26.	Forensic Document Examiner

27.	Forensic Investigator

28.	Forensic Science Examiner

29.	Forensic Scientist

30.	Forensic Specialist

31.	Forensic Technician

32.	Forensic Toxicologist

33.	Handwriting Expert

34.	Keeler Polygraph Operator

35.	Latent Fingerprint Examiner

36.	Latent Print Examiner

37.	Lie Detector Operator

38.	Polygraph Examiner

39.	Polygraph Operator

40.	Trace Evidence Technician

41.	Wildlife Forensic Geneticist

Job Tasks

	Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations. Record research or operational data.

	Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity. Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.

	Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases. Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.

	Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes. Interpret research or operational data.

	Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings. Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.

	Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes. Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.

	Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints. Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.

	Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations. Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.

	Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.

	Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.

	Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus. Operate laboratory or field equipment. Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.

	Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes. Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.

	Examine physical evidence, such as hair, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.

	Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information such as serial numbers. Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.

	Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark. Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.

	Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred. Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.

	Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.

	Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings. Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.

	Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation. Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes. Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.

	Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work. Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.

	Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques. Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Forensic Science Technicians
	Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Many technicians specialize in either crime scene investigation or laboratory analysis. Most forensic science technicians spend some time writing reports.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Forensic Science Technicians
	Most laboratory forensic science technicians work full time during standard hours. Crime scene investigators may work extended or unusual hours and travel to crime scenes within their jurisdiction.

	Read More >>

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Interesting Fact

The Rx symbol used in pharmacology was originally as astrological sign for the planet Jupiter. Its use originated in the Middle Ages when doctors believed that planets influenced health.

Did you know...

The MyPlan.com Jr. College Database provides detailed profiles on more than 1,100 different community colleges in the U.S.