Job Description for a Crime Laboratory Technician
A crime laboratory technician, also referred to as a forensic science technician, assists in a crime scene investigation by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. These professionals spend most of their time in a laboratory environment, but also assist investigators at the scene of a crime.
Other People Are Reading
-
Educational Requirements
-
Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in an applied science technology discipline. Employers may consider an associate's degree or certificate in forensic science.
Responsibilities
-
Collecting and analyzing physical evidence of a crime scene includes performing tests, maintaining evidence and detailed record-keeping of findings. These professionals often provide expert testimony in criminal court cases.
-
Specialization
-
Crime laboratory technicians often specialize in specific areas of crime scene analysis such as firearms, DNA, footprint, fingerprint or tire-impression analysis.
Job Outlook
-
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected 20 percent growth for forensic science technicians from 2008 through 2018, because of increasing techniques used to solve and prevent crime.
Average Salary
-
The average national salary is $23.97 per hour for these occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in December 2009.
-
