Forensic Science Technician

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A forensic science technician could...

Overview Listen to this section

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.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Forensic Science Technician?

1. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
2. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
3. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
4. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
5. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

6. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
7. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
8. Social Perceptiveness: ? Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
9. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
10. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Forensic Science Technician might do:

• Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
• Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
• Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
• Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
• Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
• Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
• Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
• Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
• Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.
• Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
• Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
• Examine footwear, tire tracks, or other types of impressions.