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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Crime Laboratory Analyst, Crime Scene Analyst, Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech), CSI (Crime Scene Investigator), Evidence Technician, Forensic Science Examiner, Forensic Scientist, Forensic Specialist, Latent Fingerprint Examiner, Latent Print Examiner
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software:DM2 Bills of Lading,Laboratory information management system LIMS
- Computer aided design CAD software:Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- Data base user interface and query software:Automated Biometric Identification System ABIS,Combined DNA Index System CODIS,DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene,Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS,Microsoft Access,National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database,National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
- Electronic mail software:IBM Notes,Microsoft Outlook
- Graphics or photo imaging software:Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop,DesignWare 3D EyeWitness,Eos Systems PhotoModeler,Graphics software,Image enhancement software,Mideo Systems EZDoc Plus,Midwest Information Systems PAX-it,SmartDraw Legal,The CAD Zone The Crime Zone,Trancite Logic Systems ScenePD,Visual Statement Vista FX3 CSI
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- 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.
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
- Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
- Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.
- Interpret research or operational data.
- Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Work Context
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:88% responded"Every day"
- Face-to-Face Discussions:85% responded"Every day"
- Electronic Mail:84% responded"Every day"
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate:74% responded"Extremely important"
- Frequency of Decision Making:70% responded"Every day"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- 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.
- Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Speaking:Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Writing:Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Knowledge
- Law and Government:Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Public Safety and Security:Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Chemistry:Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 14%Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Flexibility of Closure:The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
- Inductive Reasoning:The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Deductive Reasoning:The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Near Vision:The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Interests
- Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
- Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Recognition:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
- Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Self-Control:Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Stress Tolerance:Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
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