Introduction:
Crime lab technicians, also known as police science technicians or forensic science technicians, are part of the crime-solving process. They are very familiar with the use of scientific laboratory methods to study and analyze evidence gathered at crime scenes. Their findings are often used to determine the innocence of the falsely accused or the guilt of criminals. CL technicians work closely with state and local law enforcement and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents in the US or the equivalent in other countries.
Work description:
CL technicians often have specializations. CL ballistics technicians are responsible for examining bullets and comparing them to weapons. Physical and chemical analysis technicians are responsible for examining a piece of glass from the victim’s clothing or a drop of paint from a car. They also examine soil, hair, blood, biological tissues, bodily fluids, narcotics, and poisons. Some specialize in DNA analysis. Document CL technicians analyze blackmail notes, anonymous letters and handwriting, such as the paper used in the writing of the letter. Instruments CL technicians are responsible for matching markings found on victims to tools suspected of being used by the suspect. Fingerprint crime lab technicians are responsible for analyzing fingerprints and footprints, as well as tire tread. CL photo technicians take photos of crime scenes, while polygraph technicians are responsible for conducting lie detector tests and interpreting the results.
CL technicians use a variety of equipment including infrared photography, microscopes, x-ray machines, ultraviolet light, and spectrographs. Therefore, most crime lab technicians know how to use almost every tool in the lab.
Educational requirements:
Many crime labs and agencies now require anyone desiring a career as a CL technician to complete a bachelor’s degree in criminal technology or forensic science, which covers investigative photography, crime detection, criminal investigation and evidence, fingerprint science, procedural judicial and criminal law. There are many well-regarded programs in this field; however, the trend is towards more advanced courses of study.
Crime Lab Technician Salaries:
If you are just starting your career as a crime lab technician, you can expect to receive an annual salary of around $30,000 to $40,000. Those with many years of experience in crime lab technician jobs have a median annual salary of $65,000, so experience certainly makes a big difference in salary for a crime lab technician career.
