Forensic Science Technicians

Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.

Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.

Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.

Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.

Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.

Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.

Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.

Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.

Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.

Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.

Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.

Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.

Examine physical evidence, such as hair, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.

Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.

Compare objects, such as tools, with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.

Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.

Determine types of bullets and specific weapons used in shootings.

Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.

Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.

Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.

Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.