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Forensic Science Technician

forensic science technician analyzing samples

A forensic science technician could...


Run ballistics tests on guns to find the one used in a bank robbery. forensic science technician conducting ballistics test Collect evidence from a crime scene to help understand the chain of events. forensic science technician collecting evidence at a crime scene
Match DNA samples to reunite a long lost child with her family. DNA gel comparing DNA markers between potential family members Solve a crime by matching fingerprints at the crime scene to a suspect. forensic science technician analyzing fingerprint on computer screen
Find out more...

Key Facts & Information

Overview Guilty or not guilty? The fate of the accused in court lies with the evidence gathered at the crime scene. The job of the forensic science technician is to gather evidence and use scientific principles and techniques to make sense of it. It can be a grueling and graphic job, but very rewarding. If you like the idea of using science to help deliver justice, then you should investigate this career.
Key Requirements Curiosity, personal integrity, good speaking skills, good reasoning and critical thinking skills, must enjoy solving puzzles
Minimum Degree Bachelor's degree
Subjects to Study in High School Biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, algebra II, calculus, English; if available, computer science
Median Salary
Forensic Science Technician
  $55,360
U.S. Mean Annual Wage
  $48,320
Min Wage
  $15,080
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
Projected Job Growth (2012-2022) More Slowly than Average (3% to 6%)
Interview
  • Read an interview with Jason Birchfield, the Forensics Supervisor at the Baltimore County Police Department Crime Scene Unit.
  • Watch the video linked here to meet William Law, Director of the Forensic Science Program at the University of the Sciences, and learn more about the realities of a career in forensic science.
Related Occupations
Source: O*Net

Training, Other Qualifications

Forensic science technicians usually need a bachelor's degree to qualify for entry-level positions.

Education and Training

Forensic science positions typically require a bachelor's degree to work in the field. Knowledge and understanding of legal procedures also can be helpful. Job candidates who have extensive hands-on experience with a variety of laboratory equipment, including computers and related equipment, usually require a short period of on-the-job training.

Approximately 30 colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree program in forensic science; about another 25 schools offer a bachelor's degree in a natural science with an emphasis on forensic science or criminology; a few additional schools offer a bachelor's degree with an emphasis in a specialty area, such as criminology, pathology, jurisprudence, investigation' odontology, toxicology, or forensic accounting.

People interested in careers as forensic science technicians should take as many high school science and math courses as possible. Science courses taken beyond high school, in an associate or bachelor's degree program, should be laboratory oriented, with an emphasis on bench skills. A solid background in applied chemistry, physics, and math is vital.

Other Qualifications

Communication skills are important because technicians are often required to report their findings both orally and in writing. In addition, technicians should be able to work well with others. Because computers often are used in research and development laboratories, technicians should also have strong computer skills, especially in computer modeling. Organizational ability, an eye for detail, and skill in interpreting scientific results are important as well, as are a high mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and analytical thinking.

Nature of the Work

Angi Christensen, forensic anthropologist In this video Angi M. Christensen is a forensic anthropologist with the FBI and she describes a typical work day.

Forensic science technicians investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Often, they specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination, performing tests on weapons or on substances such as fiber, glass, hair, tissue, and body fluids to determine their significance to the investigation. Proper collection and storage methods are important to protect the evidence. Forensic science technicians also prepare reports to document their findings and the laboratory techniques used, and they may provide information and expert opinions to investigators. When criminal cases come to trial, forensic science technicians often give testimony as expert witnesses on laboratory findings by identifying and classifying substances, materials, and other evidence collected at the scene of a crime. Some forensic science technicians work closely with other experts or technicians. For example, a forensic science technician may consult either a medical expert about the exact time and cause of a death, or another technician who specializes in DNA typing in hopes of matching a DNA type to a suspect.

Work Environment

Forensic science technicians work under a wide variety of conditions. Most work indoors, usually in laboratories, and have regular hours. Some occasionally work irregular hours in order to collect data from crime scenes.

Advances in automation and information technology require technicians to operate more-sophisticated laboratory equipment. Forensic science technicians make extensive use of computers, electronic measuring equipment, and traditional experimental apparatus.

Some science technicians might be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials. Forensic science technicians often are exposed to human body fluids and firearms. However, these working conditions pose little risk if proper safety procedures are followed. For forensic science technicians, collecting evidence from crime scenes can be distressing and unpleasant.

On the Job

  • Testify in court about investigative and analytical methods and findings.
  • Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
  • Interpret laboratory findings and test results to identify and classify substances, materials, and other evidence collected at crime scenes.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
  • Prepare solutions, reagents, and sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
  • Analyze and classify biological fluids using DNA typing or serological techniques.
  • Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
  • Identify and quantify drugs and poisons found in biological fluids and tissues, in foods, and at crime scenes.
  • Analyze handwritten and machine-produced textual evidence to decipher altered or obliterated text or to determine authorship, age, or source.
  • Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
  • Examine DNA samples to determine if they match other samples.
  • Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
  • Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
  • Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
  • Examine physical evidence such as hair, fiber, wood or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
  • Determine types of bullets used in shooting and if fired from a specific weapon.
  • Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information such as serial numbers.
  • Interpret the pharmacological effects of a drug or a combination of drugs on an individual.
  • Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
  • Compare objects such as tools with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.

Source: BLS

Companies That Hire Forensic Science Technicians

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