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Forensic Science Technicians - 19-4092.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst)
  • Crime Scene Analyst (CSA)
  • Crime Scene Technician (Crime Scene Tech)
  • Criminalist
  • CSI (Crime Scene Investigator)
  • Evidence Technician (Evidence Tech)
  • Forensic Science Examiner
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Forensic Specialist
  • Latent Print Examiner

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Analyze data from computers or other digital media sources for evidence related to criminal activity.
  • Analyze gunshot residue and bullet paths to determine how shootings occurred.
  • 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 and specific weapons used in shootings.
  • Examine and analyze blood stain patterns at crime scenes.
  • Examine firearms to determine mechanical condition and legal status, performing restoration work on damaged firearms to obtain information, such as serial numbers.
  • Examine footwear, tire tracks, or other types of impressions.
  • Examine physical evidence, such as hair, biological fluids, fiber, wood, or soil residues to obtain information about its source and composition.
  • Identify and quantify drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues, in foods, or at crime scenes.
  • Interpret laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify substances, materials, or other evidence collected at crime scenes.
  • Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
  • Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
  • Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
  • Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
  • Review forensic analysts' reports for technical merit.
  • Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
  • Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
  • Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
  • Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
  • Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze forensic evidence to solve crimes.
  • Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
  • Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
  • Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment.
  • Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.
  • Interpret research or operational data.
  • Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
  • Measure distances or dimensions.
  • Operate laboratory or field equipment.
  • Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Record research or operational data.
  • Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
  • Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • CID Special Agent (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Criminal Investigator (CID) Agent (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Emergency Management (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Emergency Management Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Emergency Management Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Emergency Management Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Emergency Management Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Emergency Management Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Investigator (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Marine Safety Specialist Response (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Master-At-Arms (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Military Police (Army - Enlisted)
  • Military Police Investigator (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Pathologist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Cytology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Dermatology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Forensic (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Gynecology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Hematology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Neuropathology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Pediatric (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Pediatrics (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Transfusion Medicine (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Senior Military Police Sergeant (Army - Enlisted)
  • Special Investigations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Investigations Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Investigations Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Investigations Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Investigations Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Crime Scene Technician

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Ballistics Expert, Forensic
  • Criminalist