How to Become a Crime Scene Technician

Crime scene technicians gather and process evidence to help solve crimes. The term "crime scene technician" is less of a specific job title and more of an umbrella term for technicians, scientists and law enforcement officials who perform a broad range of tasks. Crime scene technicians can process body fluids and hair, examine weapons, take photographs, interview witnesses, conduct research, collaborate with medical examiners and assist police officers. It's important for crime scene technicians to understand what area they'd like to specialize in and focus on that throughout their education and training.

Instructions

1. Attend college and earn a minimum of an associate's degree in a field like criminal justice, forensics or chemistry. Attend a school that has a specific program in crime scene technology if at all possible. Earn a bachelor's degree to increase your chances of working with your preferred agency and to increase your earnings potential.

2. Choose a specialty. Decide what area you'd like to focus your career on, such as DNA typing, fingerprint analysis, firearms or crime scene investigation. Choose courses that will offer hands-on training and internships in your specialty.

3. Become certified. Oftentimes, this comes with your college degree. Each state has a different certification or licensing requirement for crime scene technicians. Contact the type of agency you are interested in working for and ask what type of certification you need.

4. Attend a police academy. This is optional, especially if your work will be largely science based; however, if you plan to specialize as an investigator, you will need to be a member of the police force. Many crime scene technicians are also law enforcement officers.

5. Pass extensive background checks including a polygraph exam, a physical examination, a credit check and a psychological evaluation. Each agency and state have different minimum requirements for employment. In some instances, you will need to pass these checks before being admitted into your college program of study. Others take these tests after an offer for employment.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• International Crime Scene Investigators Association