Forensic Science Technicians: Career, Salary And Education
Expertise
Legal Process- Complete understanding of how forensic science fits into the legal process. They should also be able to properly collect and store evidence. In order to transfer evidence correctly, they must also understand the state laws. The paperwork must be handled correctly when transferring evidence from the detectives to attorneys or police.
Laboratory Equipment – Microscopes are used to examine bullets, hair and fibers. The lab equipment is used to extract DNA from the blood collected on the crime scene. The must have a good understanding of computers, databases and how to enter data.
Forensic science techs leave a crime site. There will be a lot to review. Examples include blood splatters, fingerprints and footprints. In the laboratory, they must go through each piece of evidence. After that, they have to put together all of the information in order to get a clear picture of what occurred at the scene. Then, they must figure out the actual events that took place. For example, where was the attacker and what weapon he used.
Communication – Forensic technicians must communicate very clearly. Communication is essential during an active crime. Toxicologists will be needed to assess the impact of a poison found in blood samples. They may be called as witnesses in some trials. It is their responsibility to explain how evidence has been collected and analyzed, and what they reveal about a crime.
A Day In The Life
Duty – Analyze the crime scene and determine what evidence to collect. Photograph the crimescene. Take photos of the crime scene. Sketch the crimescene. Record your observations, such as where the evidence is located. Collecting evidence, such as fingerprints and body fluids. Cataloguing and preserving evidence for transfer into crime labs.
In the Lab – Perform chemical and biological analyses of evidence from crime scene. Use DNA and other scientific analysis to explore possible links between criminal activity and suspects. Experts in fields like toxicology can be consulted.
Learning
You can set yourself on the path to success by graduating from high-school. Forensic science graduates should have high grades, especially in math, statistics and biology. Some students volunteer or do an internship in agencies relevant to their field, such as fire departments, police departments or medical laboratories. After that, you can enroll in a program for forensics (2-4 years). Associate degree programs are offered for those who want to become forensic technicians. Most two-year forensic science programs require that you have a highschool diploma. You must have an excellent GPA. A personal statement is required. Experience in a crime laboratory, police station, or another relevant environment (1-3 year) are also necessary. Many students in forensic sciences programs opt to gain professional experience by working at diagnostic and medical laboratories, local governments, federal agency, or hospitals. Optional: Enrollment in a graduate forensic science program (2-4 years). A master’s degree or doctorate program can be a great option for forensic scientists who are in the middle of their careers and want to improve their skills.
Salary range
In 2016, a Forensics Technician’s average salary was $56,750. In the lowest 25 percent, forensic scientists technicians made $42,710, meaning that 75 percent earned higher than this amount. 75 percent will earn $74,220.
Job Opportunities
Laboratory Technician
Seventy point five percent of the population was employed.
Further Study 14.7%
Unemployed. 7.9%
Work and study 4%
Two point nine percent
Type of Work:
Professional Technicians 23.1%
Bar and retail catering work is 20.7% of the total.
Secretarial, numerical and administrative clerks 7.5%
Professionals in the field of science make up 7%
The rest of the population accounted for 41.7%.
The competition for jobs is increasing, and a Master’s degree in a relevant field or a PhD will improve your chances of finding emploi. You should also consider the fact that many courses require higher academic abilities and are hard to fund. Some skills can be transferred, including: teamwork and working independently, presentation skills and being able to communicate verbally and in writing, for example. Court reports. You may find that certain personal traits are helpful. For example, a positive outlook is useful as some jobs can be difficult or even unpleasant. Flexible working hours may be required, so it is important to have a flexible attitude.
Work Environment
About 15,400 jobs were available for forensic scientists in 2016. The biggest employers of forensic sciences technicians are:
Local Government 57%
State Government 29%
Medical and laboratory 3%
Examining centers 2%
Federal government 1%
They can spend a lot of time in the lab or office, or combine both. They are often in contact with law enforcement officers and specialists. Most forensic scientists work in laboratories. Investigators of crime scenes may have to travel to other cities, counties, and states.
They may work night, evening or day shifts. They also work overtime to ensure they are always available to collect or analyze data. Technicians are often called upon to work in labs and have a typical work week. The technician may have to rush to the workplace if necessary.
