How to Become a Crime Lab Technician
When a crime is committed, most criminals leave behind evidence and clues for police officers and detectives. This evidence, which may include bullet casings, fingerprints, bodily fluids, hairs or fibers, must be analyzed by a crime lab technician for it to be connected to the person who committed the crime. If you find crime scene analysis or forensic science interesting, you can join the profession and analyze crime scene information by learning how to become a crime lab technician.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Complete your degree. Crime lab technicians are required to have at least an associate degree, and some forensic agencies require a bachelor's degree in forensic science. Approximately 30 U.S. colleges offer a bachelor's degree in this field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
-
2
Intern with a crime lab. While working toward your degree, get an internship in a crime lab during summer or semester breaks. Although you may not be allowed to perform analysis of crime scene evidence, you will learn what it is like to work in a crime lab and become familiar with common practices and procedures. In addition, you will network and make contacts you can use later when looking for a job.
-
3
Improve the personal skills needed as a technician. Good communication and public speaking skills are necessary, because you are often responsible for writing reports or presenting the results of your lab analysis in court. Consider taking an extra class in written communication or public speaking if you are not comfortable with your current abilities.
-
4
Apply for a position as a crime lab technician. Connect with crime labs where you have served as an intern to learn if they are hiring. You can also contact forensic labs or the office of the medical examiner in your area to find out what open positions they might have. Finally, search through forensic jobs posted on the website of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, or browse popular job sites, such as CareerBuilder and Monster.
-
1
