Forensic Science Technicians
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.
49 alternate job titles:
Ballistician
Ballistics Technician (Ballistics Tech)
Biometric Fingerprint Technician (Biometric Fingerprint Tech)
Biometric Fingerprinting Technician (Biometric Fingerprinting Tech)
Biometrician
Blood Splatter Analyst
Computer Forensics Technician (Computer Forensics Tech)
Crime Analyst
Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst)
Crime Lab Technician (Crime Laboratory Technician)
Crime Scene Analyst (CSA)
Crime Scene Examiner
Crime Scene Specialist
Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech)
Crime Specialist
Criminal Justice Technician
Criminalist
Criminalist Technician (Criminalist Tech)
Criminologist
CSI (Crime Scene Investigator)
Digital Forensics Analyst
DNA Analyst (Deoxyribonucleic Acid Analyst)
DNA Examiner (Deoxyribonucleic Acid Examiner)
DNA Tech (Deoxyribonucleic Acid Technician)
Evidence Specialist
Evidence Technician (Evidence Tech)
Fingerprint Classifier
Fingerprint Technician (Fingerprint Tech)
Firearms Examiner
Firearms Specialist
Forensic Analyst
Forensic Computer Examiner
Forensic Document Examiner (FDE)
Forensic Examiner
Forensic Investigator
Forensic Lab Tech (Forensic Laboratory Technician)
Forensic Nurse Examiner
Forensic Science Examiner
Forensic Science Technician (Forensic Science Tech)
Forensic Scientist
Forensic Service Tech (Forensic Services Technician)
Forensic Specialist
Forensic Technician (Forensic Tech)
Forensic Technologist
Forensic Toxicologist
Latent Fingerprint Examiner
Latent Print Analyst
Latent Print Examiner
Trace Evidence Technician (Trace Evidence Tech)
Salary Information
Forensic Science Technicians: $67,440 (median) per year.
Starting salary (10th percentile).
Required expreience: Varies by Company
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
| Task Description | Category |
|---|---|
| Testify at legal or legislative proceedings. | General |
| Operate laboratory or field equipment. | General |
| Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing. | General |
| Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems. | General |
| Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence. | General |
| Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures. | General |
| Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment. | General |
| Verify information or specifications. | General |
| Verify accuracy of data. | General |
| Collect evidence for legal proceedings. | General |
| Measure distances or dimensions. | General |
| Interpret research or operational data. | Analysis |
| Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes. | Analysis |
| Analyze biological samples. | Analysis |
| Analyze data to identify trends or relationships among variables. | Analysis |
| Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists. | Analysis |
| Record research or operational data. | Analysis |
| Analyze crime scene evidence. | Analysis |
| Maintain laboratory or technical equipment. | Maintenance |
| Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations. | Communication |
Showing 1 to 10 of 0 entries
Technology Requirements
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software |
| Adobe Photoshop | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| Linux | Operating system software |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software |
| Microsoft Visio | Process mapping and design software |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software |
| Computer aided design and drafting CADD software | Computer aided design CAD software |
| Corel WordPerfect Office Suite | Office suite software |
| DM2 Bills of Lading | Analytical or scientific software |
| DesignWare 3D EyeWitness | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| Eos Systems PhotoModeler | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| Graphics software | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| IBM Notes | Electronic mail software |
| Image enhancement software | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| Laboratory information management system LIMS | Analytical or scientific software |
| Mideo Systems EZDoc Plus | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| Midwest Information Systems PAX-it | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| SmartDraw Legal | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| The CAD Zone The Crime Zone | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| Trancite Logic Systems ScenePD | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| Visual Statement Vista FX3 CSI | Graphics or photo imaging software |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software |
| Word processing software | Word processing software |
| Microsoft Access | Data base user interface and query software |
| Automated Biometric Identification System ABIS | Data base user interface and query software |
| Combined DNA Index System CODIS | Data base user interface and query software |
| DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene | Data base user interface and query software |
| Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS | Data base user interface and query software |
| National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database | Data base user interface and query software |
| National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN | Data base user interface and query software |
Showing 1 to 10 of 0 entries
Relevant Certifications
Industry certifications that may be valuable for this career role:
| Certification | Issuing Organization | Practice Test |
|---|---|---|
| Accredited Traffic Accident Reconstructionist | Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction | Not Available |
| Bloodstain Pattern Examiner Certification | International Association for Identification | Not Available |
| Certified Advanced Windows Forensic Examiner | International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists | Not Available |
| Certified Computer Forensic Technician - Advanced | High Tech Crime Network | Not Available |
| Certified Computer Forensic Technician - Basic | High Tech Crime Network | Not Available |
| Certified Crime Scene Reconstructionist | International Association for Identification | Not Available |
| Certified Forensic Claims Consultant | AACE International, Inc. | Not Available |
| Certified Forensic Counselor | National Association of Forensic Counselors | Not Available |
| Certified Forensic Interviewer | International Association of Interviewers | Not Available |
| Certified Forensic Social Worker | National Association of Forensic Counselors | Not Available |
| Certified Forensic Video Technician | Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association | Not Available |
| Certified in Financial Forensics | American Institute of Certified Public Accountants | Not Available |
| Crime Scene Certification | International Association for Identification | Not Available |
| Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology | American Board of Toxicology, Inc. | Not Available |
| EC-Council Certified Security Analyst | EC-Council | Not Available |
| Footwear Certification | International Association for Identification | Not Available |
| Forensic Art Certification | International Association for Identification | Not Available |
| Forensic Photography & Imaging Certification | International Association for Identification | Not Available |
| Forensic Video Certification | International Association for Identification | Not Available |
| GIAC Advanced Smartphone Forensics | Global Information Assurance Certification | Not Available |
| GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner | Global Information Assurance Certification | Not Available |
| GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst | Global Information Assurance Certification | Not Available |
| Latent Print Certification | International Association for Identification | Not Available |
| Licensed Penetration Tester | EC-Council | Not Available |
| Master Analyst in Financial Forensics | National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts | Not Available |
| Qualification in Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE) | American Board of Forensic Document Examiners | Not Available |
| Tenprint Fingerprint Certification | International Association for Identification | Not Available |
Showing 1 to 10 of 0 entries