Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

• Ballistics Expert, Forensic
• Criminalist

• Analyze and classify biological fluids using DNA typing or serological techniques.
• Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
• Analyze handwritten and machine-produced textual evidence to decipher altered or obliterated text or to determine authorship, age, or source.
• Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
• Collect impressions of dust from surfaces to obtain and identify fingerprints.
• Compare objects such as tools with impression marks to determine whether a specific object is responsible for a specific mark.
• Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
• Determine types of bullets used in shooting and if fired from a specific weapon.
• Examine DNA samples to determine if they match other samples.
• Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information such as serial numbers.
• Examine physical evidence such as hair, fiber, wood or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
• Identify and quantify drugs and poisons found in biological fluids and tissues, in foods, and at crime scenes.
• Interpret laboratory findings and test results to identify and classify substances, materials, and other evidence collected at crime scenes.
• Interpret the pharmacological effects of a drug or a combination of drugs on an individual.
• Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
• Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
• Testify in court about investigative and analytical methods and findings.
• Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.

• adhere to safety procedures
• advise governmental or industrial personnel
• analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
• analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
• analyze existing evidence or facts
• analyze handwriting
• analyze medical data
• analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
• classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
• collect samples for testing
• collect scientific or technical data
• communicate details in protective services settings
• communicate technical information
• compile biological data for criminal investigations
• compile evidence for court actions
• compile numerical or statistical data
• conduct analyses or tests of biological material samples
• conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
• conduct analyses to determine physical properties of materials
• conduct field research or investigative studies
• conduct laboratory research or experiments
• conduct legal searches or investigations
• conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
• conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
• conduct tests or analyses of blood samples
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• confer with scientists
• cooperate with court personnel or other law enforcement agencies
• create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
• develop or maintain databases
• develop tables depicting data
• draw maps or charts
• examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
• explain complex mathematical information
• file documents in court
• follow infectious materials procedures
• follow law enforcement methods or procedures
• follow microbiology procedures
• follow rules of evidence procedures in legal setting
• gather physical evidence
• identify fingerprints
• identify firearms or weapons
• identify properties of soil or water samples
• maintain records, reports, or files
• make decisions
• manage detailed records or files in law enforcement setting
• operate cameras
• operate industrial or nondestructive testing equipment
• prepare reports
• prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• provide expert testimony on research results
• record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
• set up or calibrate laboratory equipment
• test materials or solutions
• testify in court for accident and criminal cases
• understand engineering data or reports
• understand properties of gases or liquids
• understand properties or composition of drugs
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use biological research techniques
• use biological testing instruments
• use chemical testing or analysis procedures
• use clinical sterilizing technique
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use government regulations
• use hazardous materials information
• use health or sanitation standards
• use interpersonal communication techniques
• use interviewing procedures
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use knowledge of materials testing procedures
• use knowledge of metric system
• use laboratory equipment
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use microscope
• use non-destructive test equipment
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use physical science research techniques
• use precision measuring tools or equipment
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• verify investigative information
• work as a team member