What do Crime Scene Technicians do?
Crime scene technicians, also known as forensic technicians or crime scene investigators, play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. They are responsible for collecting and preserving evidence from crime scenes, which is used to help solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
Job Responsibilities
As a crime scene technician, your primary responsibility is to collect and document evidence at crime scenes. This involves:
- Arriving at the crime scene quickly and efficiently: You will be dispatched to the crime scene as soon as possible to minimize contamination and preserve the integrity of the evidence.
- Conducting a thorough survey of the crime scene: You will walk the crime scene to identify potential evidence, take photographs, and make notes of any observations.
- Collecting and packaging evidence: You will collect physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA samples, and other trace evidence, and package it properly for transportation to the laboratory for analysis.
- Processing the crime scene: You will conduct various tests and procedures to preserve the crime scene and prevent contamination, such as lifting fingerprints, collecting swabs, and taking impressions of tire tracks and footprints.
- Maintaining a chain of custody: You will ensure that all evidence is properly documented and stored to maintain a chain of custody, which is essential for admissible evidence in court.
Types of Evidence Collected
Crime scene technicians collect a wide range of evidence, including:
- Physical evidence: This includes items such as weapons, clothing, and personal effects that may have been left at the crime scene.
- Biological evidence: This includes DNA samples, bloodstains, and other bodily fluids that may be used to identify suspects or link them to the crime.
- Digital evidence: This includes digital media such as computers, phones, and cameras that may contain relevant information or evidence.
- Impression evidence: This includes tire tracks, footprints, and other impressions that may be used to identify vehicles or individuals.
Tools and Equipment Used
Crime scene technicians use a variety of tools and equipment to collect and process evidence, including:
- Fingerprint powders and lifts: Used to collect and preserve fingerprints.
- DNA sampling kits: Used to collect DNA samples from crime scenes.
- Camera equipment: Used to take photographs and videos of the crime scene.
- Crime scene tape: Used to cordon off the crime scene and prevent contamination.
- Evidence bags and containers: Used to collect and store evidence.
Working Conditions
Crime scene technicians often work in challenging and stressful environments, including:
- Crime scenes: You may be required to work at crime scenes that are traumatic and disturbing, such as murder scenes or sexual assault cases.
- Laboratories: You may be required to work in laboratories, which can be noisy and demanding.
- Offices: You may be required to work in offices, which can be sedentary and require long periods of sitting.
Requirements and Qualifications
To become a crime scene technician, you typically need:
- A high school diploma or equivalent: You will need a high school diploma or equivalent to apply for most crime scene technician positions.
- Post-secondary education: Many crime scene technicians have a post-secondary education in a field such as forensic science, criminology, or a related field.
- Training and certification: You will need to complete training and certification programs, such as the International Association for Identification (IAI) certification program.
- Physical and mental fitness: You will need to be physically and mentally fit to work in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
Conclusion
Crime scene technicians play a critical role in the criminal justice system, collecting and preserving evidence that helps solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice. The job requires a strong attention to detail, physical and mental fitness, and the ability to work in challenging and stressful environments. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a crime scene technician, it is essential to research the requirements and qualifications for the job and consider obtaining the necessary training and certification.
