Crime scene technicians analyze and obtain evidence at crime scenes, requiring a degree in criminal justice. They must have the ability to analyze evidence, categorize findings, and work confidently with other agencies. Technicians can work in law enforcement or the private sector and must stay current with advances in criminal science.
A crime scene technician is someone who analyzes and obtains evidence at the crime scene and reports findings to law enforcement authorities. Crime scene technicians are also known as forensic specialists or criminologist investigators. To become a crime scene technician, first check the requirements of the agency or department you are interested in joining to see what the requirements are. Department requirements may vary depending on your state or country.
Most agencies require a two- or four-year degree in criminal justice to become a crime scene technician. Investigators train to work in areas such as home invasions, assaults, homicides and autopsies. The technician is responsible for crime scene tasks, including but not limited to analyzing prints, identifying evidence, taking photographs, preparing reports, and testifying in court when necessary.
Compare courses at local colleges and consider the length of each program to become a crime scene technician. Decide whether you want to pursue a two-year or a four-year degree. Make sure the program includes courses like fingerprinting, evidence technology, criminology, crime scene processing, and courtroom analysis. Some colleges also offer online certificate programs. In some cases, smaller departments may hire a crime scene technician with only a high school diploma, as long as the candidate is a certified crime scene technician.
When applying to a department for a forensic job, find out about the mandatory prerequisites. Most departments require extensive background checks and psychological evaluations before hiring someone for an investigator position. Certain skills are useful when a person chooses to work at a crime scene. It is crucial to have the ability to analyze evidence, quickly capture the surroundings of a scene and categorize findings, as well as working confidently alongside other agencies dispatched to a crime scene.
Upon completion of training to become a crime scene technician, a decision needs to be made about what area of law enforcement to work in. Some technicians are sworn police officers and work as criminologists in their department. Other investigators are civilians who choose to work in the private sector and become a private investigator. Crime scene specialists also work for national government agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the US.
Once you land a position as a crime scene technician, it’s crucial to stay current with the laws and advances in criminal science. A person who decides to become a crime scene technician needs to stay abreast of the latest in technology and science. The field of criminal justice can be a rewarding and very interesting career with the right skills and mindset.
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