Job Description for Crime Lab Technicians
Crime lab technicians analyze evidence obtained at crime scenes. Crime lab technicians may also be responsible for performing investigations at the crime scene that include identifying and collecting evidence. Crime lab technicians are often employed by government agencies and require scientific/technical training and education. The median annual salary for a crime lab technician is $50,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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Crime lab technicians are responsible for the documentation, analysis and processing of evidence found at crime scenes. Such evidence may include hair, fibers or fingerprints. Crime lab technicians collect and package such evidence. DNA analysis is often an essential part of an investigation, which is the crime lab technician's responsibility to perform. Responsibilities may also include taking detailed photographs with various types of camera equipment.
Skills and Abilities
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A crime lab technician must possess excellent organizational skills and strong written and verbal skills. He must also possess the ability to operate equipment such as computers and photography equipment. Additionally, the ability to work well and communicate effectively with others is desired by most employers.
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Functions
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Crime lab technicians assist with investigations through properly analyzing evidence. The accuracy of the collection, processing and analysis allows criminal cases to be solved.
Titles
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A crime lab technician is also known as a forensic scientist, forensic science technician, crime scene technician, crime scene investigator or crime scene analyst.
Education
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Most government agencies require the crime lab technician applicant to have completed courses in biology, chemistry, forensic science and math. Many agencies require a bachelor's degree.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kevin Dooley
