Forensic Technician

Duties

Examples of Duties

• Process and document crime scenes with or without the assistance of additional Forensic staff by taking all necessary photographs and/or video, searching for latent fingerprints, collecting items of evidence and preserving them for further analysis.
• Recognize evidence and have a working knowledge of the potential evidentiary value of ballistics, soils, blood, DNA, poisons, fibers, document examinations, etc.
• Process evidence for latent fingerprints using techniques such as powders, chemicals, various light sources, and photography.
• Photograph individuals to document injuries and appearance.
• Attend autopsies and photograph various phases for court purposes.
• Perform employee portrait and public relations photography.
• Maintain accurate documentation and generate reports of findings.
• Provide expert testimony in court.
• Required to be available for callouts on evenings and weekends.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• At least 21 years of age and a citizen of the United States or lawful permanent resident, who can read and write the English language. Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major studies in forensic science, criminal justice or other areas having a close bearing on forensics OR current employment with a law enforcement agency working within the criminal justice field with knowledge of either basic crime scene or latent prints and possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any area of study.
• This degree requirement is not intended to disqualify friction ridge examiners and crime scene investigators who are already trained to competency.
• Vision correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision and hearing correctable to normal ranges. Must possess and retain a valid motor vehicle operator's license at hire and throughout employment.

Selection Factors

Knowledge of:

• Friction ridge skin - pattern types and the use of fingerprints for identification
• Processing and documentation of latent fingerprints
• Crime scene processing and documentation to include photography

Skilled in:

• Exercising independent judgment and thinking on your feet
• Working as a team and performing duties in concert with other investigators

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Operate computer using specialized programs such as Adobe Photoshop or other photographic reproduction systems
• Become Crime Scene Certified through International Association for Identification

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