What is a Forensic Science Technician?

A forensic science technician works with law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes. These professionals are trained in methods that enable them to collect evidence, analyze it, and draw conclusions about what might have occurred in the course of the crime.

Workers in this field may or may not actually investigate crime scenes. Instead, many forensic science technicians work strictly in laboratory settings.

In whatever setting they work, forensic science technicians are an integral component of the investigative team, helping detectives and other officials to better understand the circumstances of the crime and build a case against the perpetrator.

What Does a Forensic Science Technician Do?

The simplest definition of what a forensic science technician does is that they collect and analyze physical evidence at a crime scene in order to assist detectives and other law enforcement in their investigation of the crime. If you've ever seen a police drama on television, the chances are good that you've seen a forensic science technician, or crime scene investigator.

Unfortunately, many of the TV and movie representations of this career are highly dramatized and inaccurate. For example, forensic science technicians don't carry guns nor do they "work the beat" with police and detectives. Instead, they often work at crime scenes and in laboratories conducting highly scientific work. Among the most common job duties of a forensic science technician are:

Collect Evidence at Crime Scenes

As noted above, one of the primary tasks of a forensic science technician is to collect evidence at crime scenes. This goes beyond merely bagging important physical evidence, and instead includes planning how evidence should be collected, ensuring that the crime scene remains undisturbed and uncontaminated, photographing evidence, and drawing conclusions about what might have happened based on the physical evidence at the scene.

Catalog and Preserve Evidence

Evidence collected at a crime scene must be meticulously cataloged to ensure that nothing gets lost in transport from the scene to the crime lab. Additionally, it's important to properly bag and store all evidence such that the chain of evidence remains unbroken and all evidence maintains its integrity for future testing.

Analyze Evidence in the Lab

Much of a forensic sciences technician's time is spent in a laboratory where they put items collected at the crime scene through rigorous testing. For example, to determine if a suspect was present at the crime scene, a forensic science technician would take blood, tissue, or other samples from the suspect and compare them with DNA collected at the scene.

Coordinate Scientific Studies

Forensic science technicians often bring in experts to do specific analyses on physical evidence. For example, if evidence was collected that suggests that a person was poisoned, a forensic science technician would likely ask a toxicologist to perform tests on the victim to determine if they were drugged.

Reconstruct Crime Scenes

Using the physical evidence, photos of the crime scene, and their analysis of physical evidence at the scene, forensic science technicians will reconstruct the crime scene. This is often done in an effort to better understand what happened, such as trying to determine where a perpetrator might have been standing when they attacked a victim.

Additionally, these models often prove important for the trial phase in which they can be used to help the jury visualize what might have occurred.

Testify in Court

If a case goes to trial, forensic science technicians often serve as expert witnesses to testify regarding what might have occurred based on the evidence that was collected and the analysis of that evidence in the lab.

What are the Careers in Forensic Science?

The following is a list of the most common careers within the field of forensic science:

Where Does a Forensic Science Technician Work?

The working environment of a forensic science technician depends on the specific type of work they do. As noted earlier, many workers in this field are crime scene investigators. As such, they are usually employed by a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency and conduct their work in the field.

For example, an investigator would travel to the scene of the crime and analyze the scene, collect evidence, and begin to hypothesize what might have occurred based on the forensic evidence.

Other forensic science technicians work in a laboratory setting where they analyze evidence collected at the scene of a crime. Again, these technicians are usually employed by law enforcement agencies, though some private companies also employ lab workers with a forensic science background.

Forensic science technicians that specialize in crime scene sketching might be employed by law enforcement, a state agency like the Department of Criminal Investigations, or could be employed by a private firm or self-employed. Regardless of their employer, these technicians most often work in a law enforcement or lab setting.

What Do You Learn in a Forensic Science Degree?

To prepare students for a career in forensic science, degree programs focus on a number of different, yet equally important areas. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Criminal Justice - Since forensic science technicians play a critical role in police work, courses in criminal justice and the legal system are often required.
  • Criminology - Criminology courses focus on the nature of crimes and explores why people break the law.
  • Abnormal Psychology - Students in this course learn about human behavior, aberrant behavior, and the possible causes and explanations for behavior that breaks with the norm.
  • Crime Scene Investigation Techniques - Students learn how to process crime scenes, collect evidence, document evidence, and other important tasks regarding crime scene investigation.
  • Evidentiary Procedures - Evidentiary procedures courses teach students how to collect, process, and analyze evidence obtained at crime scenes.
  • Instrumental analysis - Courses in instrumental analysis focus on using scientific instruments and techniques to conduct scientific experiments.
  • Physiology - Physiology is the study of living organisms, and is useful for forensic science in understanding how the human body is structured and how its systems function.
  • Providing Expert Testimony - Coursework in expert testimony helps students understand the procedures required for preparing expert testimony for the courts.
  • Genetics - Since a significant component of forensic science is working with DNA, courses in genetics are needed to give students a solid foundational understanding of how to collect and analyze DNA samples.
  • Forensic Anthropology - This course helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed to properly examine human remains.
  • Calculus - Both differential and integral calculus courses are often required in forensic science such that students gain an understanding of how to find properties of derivatives and integrals of functions.

What are the Requirements to Become a Forensic Science Technician?

Educational Requirements

To become a forensic science technician, one must complete at least a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field.

A bachelor's degree aims to prepare students for entry-level careers in their major area of study with introductory courses. In this case, typical courses would include forensic science, criminal justice, criminology, psychology, and chemistry, just to name a few.

For most students, a bachelor's degree, which typically requires around 120 credit hours to complete, takes four years to complete. The first two years of studies are almost exclusively in general studies courses, like science, math, and social sciences, and the second two years are almost exclusively in the major area of study.

Admissions requirements for bachelor's degree programs vary from one institution to the next, but often include similar features. A high school diploma and a satisfactory GPA are almost always part of any college or university's admissions requirements for undergraduate programs.

Master's Degrees

More advanced studies in this field are done in a master's degree program. Master's degrees are much less common in forensic science, and are usually reserved for more senior-level technicians that have specialized in a certain area of forensic science. For example, a worker that has specialized in blood spatter analysis might study forensic DNA and serology.

The length of time it takes to complete a master's degree varies widely depending on a number of factors, including both the area of specialization and the institution at which a student pursues their degree.

A short-term master's degree might require 30 or so credit hours which can be completed in as little as a year. Longer-term master's degrees might have 60 or more required credits, which could take three or more years to complete.

Training

Workers in this field receive a lot of training, mostly in the form of on-the-job training during a probationary period. During this period, new technicians work under the watchful eye of a more tenured forensic scientist. They learn how to utilize laboratory equipment, collection and analysis procedures for evidence, reporting requirements, and so forth. These training periods might last as many as five or six years.

Certifications and Licenses

Typically, certification and licensure for forensic science technicians are done on a volunteer basis. This is due in part to the fact that the credentialing requirements from state to state and even law enforcement agency to law enforcement agency can vary significantly.

Nonetheless, pursuing a certification or licensure is a good way for workers in this field to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, advance their professional development, and learn new techniques that can help them complete the duties of their job with greater competence.

What is an Online Forensic Science Degree?

Like on-campus degrees in forensic science, online studies prepare students for employment through skill-building and knowledge acquisition in the procedures of forensic science.

Online degree programs give students more flexibility than traditional on-campus degrees because online studies can be done at any time of day from virtually any location, provided that the student has internet access. This kind of flexibility of studies is advantageous for students that have work or family obligations and who need to be able to pace their studies according to their own schedule.

Online programs in forensic science have very similar requirements as on-campus programs. For example, the admissions process, admissions requirements, and course requirements would be virtually identical, if not exactly the same. Many colleges and universities also have their faculty teach online courses, so in many cases, online students have the same teachers as students on campus.

Typically, online studies can also be less expensive. Without the need to pay for gas and parking to commute to campus, and with the ability to study from home, students can save money on housing expenses as well.

What Tools and Techniques are Used by a Forensic Science Technician?

There are a long list of tools and techniques that a forensic science technician must use in the course of their work. Just a few of these include:

  • Microscope - Microscopes enable forensic science technicians to get an up-close look at even the smallest pieces of evidence, such as hair or fabric fibers.
  • Fingerprinting equipment - From fingerprinting powder and brushes to tape and cameras to computer software, there is an array of equipment one can use to gather and analyze fingerprints.
  • Chromatograph - A chromatograph is most often used to analyze fibrous materials and blood evidence to identify their properties.
  • Spectrometer – Spectrometers are used by forensic science technicians to determine the molecular makeup of trace evidence.
  • Alternative light photography - This technique utilizes blue and orange filters to see bruising that has occurred beneath the surface of the skin that would otherwise be unviewable to the human eye.
  • Phenom SEM – This tool allows forensic science technicians to search for traces of gunshot residue.
  • Facial reconstruction software - These powerful software packages allow technicians to input as much data as possible about victims that are badly decomposed and create an image of what the victim might have looked like in order to make an identification of remains.

What Skills are Needed to be a Forensic Science Technician?

Forensic science technicians are highly trained and have to develop many hard skills throughout their education in order to execute their duties properly. However, there are also many soft skills, personal qualities, and personality traits that are helpful in this line of work. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Blood analysis skills - Workers in this field should be able to collect blood samples and type them, as well as have the basic ability to examine blood patterns for possible clues (i.e., determining the direction from which an attacker hit a victim based upon the pattern of blood splatter on a wall).
  • DNA profiling skills - Using blood, saliva, and other body fluids, forensic science technicians need to have the skills required to analyze DNA and create a profile of the person that left the DNA behind.
  • Crime scene processing – Forensic science technicians should understand how to process a crime scene, how to collect and store evidence, and how to prevent contamination of the crime scene.
  • Understanding of the scientific method - This position is heavily reliant on conducting good science that adheres to the standards of practice for research, including utilizing the scientific method to drive proper analysis of evidence and forming hypotheses about what happened.
  • Analytical skills - Forensic science technicians should have highly developed analytical skills that allow them to see patterns in the evidence, solve problems, and work from minute details outwardly to hypothesize about what might have occurred.
  • Attention to detail - The work of a forensic science technician cannot be sloppy. Because their work is so influential in determining what might have happened and can influence whether a perpetrator is found guilty or not guilty or even identified at all, attention to detail is of the utmost importance.
  • Understanding of the legal system - Since the legal system depends on the work of forensic science technicians, having a deep understanding of pertinent statutes and laws will help a person working in this field to perform their job correctly and ethically.
  • Impartiality - Forensic science technicians must be able to examine crime scene evidence and draw conclusions based on that evidence without allowing any biases or opinions to influence their findings.
  • A strong stomach - Workers in this field are called in to collect evidence of very serious crimes. Having the ability to see injuries and even death without being emotionally or physically overcome is a must.

What are the Pro of Being a Forensic Science Technician?

Forensic science technicians enjoy many benefits of working in this field. Among some of the most desirable benefits include:

Variety of Jobs

With specialized training in forensic science, on can work as a crime scene investigator, a fingerprint analyst, a lab technician, or one of many other important roles.

Opportunity to Advance

Forensic science technicians often have ample opportunities to learn new skills, expand their knowledge, and advance into other positions within the field.

Quick Entry into Workforce

With many positions in forensic science requiring just a bachelor's degree, one can enter the workforce after completing just four years of a college education.

Helping Others

Forensic science technicians can make or break a criminal case with their findings. Being able to help solve crimes and bring peace to families is one of the top benefits of this position.

Improving Public Safety

With evidence collected, processed, and interpreted by forensic science technicians, dangerous criminals can be put behind bars.

Interesting Work

Forensics is an interesting area of study, and no two days working as a forensic science technician will be the same.

Decent Income

As reported in 2021 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income for forensic science technicians was $66,850. These positions also often have good benefits like retirement and insurance.

What is the Job Outlook for Forensic Science Technicians?

The job outlook for forensic science technicians is predicted to be very strong over the course of the next decade. According to a 2021 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this line of work is predicted to grow at a rate of 11 percent through 2031. That is much faster than average, which is around 6 percent for the same time frame.

The primary reason why this field is expected to grow so rapidly is twofold. First, many jurisdictions have extremely high caseloads, which means that additional workers are sorely needed to process the backlog of evidence. Secondly, as technology changes and new forensic science techniques are established, there will be a need for a new generation of technicians to enter the workforce.

Though the job outlook numbers are great, it’s important to note that this is a very small career area. Only 2,600 new jobs are predicted to be available through 2026, so competition for employment will be fierce.

What Professions are Similar to Forensic Science?

Forensic science is a broad-based field, and shares many similarities with other science-based occupations. Some of the professions that are similar to forensic science include:

Biological Technicians

Biological technicians are usually responsible for working in a lab where the conduct scientific tests, analyses and experiments. In addition to using scientific equipment like microscopes, biological technicians also often use computers and even robots to collect and analyze biological material for study.

Materials Scientists

Often, materials scientists are trained in chemistry and use that training to carry out research that involves developing new products or devising testing methods to ensure new products are safe. This includes analyzing substances to determine their chemical makeup, conducting tests on product materials, and writing details reports on their findings.

Environmental Science Technicians

Environmental science technicians monitor the environment to determine its health. This includes activities like monitoring sea levels or investigating melting polar ice caps. Likewise, these workers seek to understand environmental pollutants, how they are released into the environment, and the negative impacts they have on environmental systems.

Police Detectives

Police detectives are usually seasoned police officers whose primary job is to investigate serious crimes like murder. Detectives gather evidence to build a case against the accused, including physical evidence as well as eyewitness testimony. Typically, detectives work a case until it is resolved in court, the charges are dropped, or the case goes cold.

How Much Does a Forensic Science Technician Earn Yearly?

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Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

How Much Does a Forensic Science Technician Earn Hourly?

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Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

How Many Forensic Science Technicians Are There?

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Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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