How to Become a Ballistics Lab Technician

As a ballistics lab tech, you will need to use the math you learned in high school.

A ballistics lab technician is a forensic scientist who examine firearms, their projectiles, imprints and targets. In an article for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hall Dillon states that a ballistics lab technician may also toolmark identification skills to identify objects and explosives that a suspect may have used to commit a crime. This professional also performs tests on weapons, collects evidence, mixes chemicals to perform tests in a lab, examines gunshot residue, matches fired bullets to guns and testifies in court as needed.

Instructions

1. Go to college. Dillion states you should focus on a degree in forensic science and technology. Good classes to take include those related to physics, chemistry, trigonometry, geometry, biology, human anatomy, physical anthropology, statistics, quantitative analysis and crime scene investigations. Because ballistic lab technicians need to have good communication skills, it is a good idea to take technical writing classes and public speaking.

2. Become knowledgeable in firearms. As a ballistics lab technician, you will need to identify weapons and their bullets. Your college may offer firearms courses, or you may find that your local police department or local gun club offers safety and informational classes.

3. Gain laboratory experience. Experience in a lab will allow you to practice using the latest analytical instruments. In addition to using the lab at a school, you can gain experience by working as an intern at a police department.

4. Earn credentials as a forensic scientist. While a law enforcement agency will provide you with the additional training you will need for a job as a ballistics lab technician, Dillon states that you can earn voluntary certifications through non-governmental associations, such as the American Board of Criminalists or the American College of Forensic Examiners International. A certification from such an association can help prove your competence and expertise as a ballistics lab technician.

Tips & Warnings

• In 1999, 31 postsecondary institutes offered bachelor’s degrees in forensic science. Most of these schools also offer graduate degrees in forensic science.

• You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in a forensic science-related field in order to qualify for a certification program.

• The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offers training for new ballistics lab technicians in law enforcement agencies.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Forensic; Hall Dillon; Fall 1999
• U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; National Firearms Examiner Academy; February 2011
• American Board of Criminalists: Certification Program Overview
• American College of Forensic Examiners International: Forensic Certification Programs