What Is a Crime Scene Technician?
A crime scene technician works with law enforcement agencies to collect and manage evidence at crime scenes. They have three primary responsibilities: collect evidence, record data, and present the information in written and oral reports. A crime scene is the location of either physical violence between people, damage, or loss of property.
Employment opportunities for crime scene technicians include crime laboratories, police force, law enforcement agencies, fire investigators, and government agencies. In order to qualify for these positions, a minimum one-year certificate in crime scene investigation is required. However, most employers require a minimum two-year associate degree, in addition to certification in crime scene technology. A commitment to continuing education is an important part of this job, as crime scene technicians must keep up with developments in technology and new processes.
People who enjoy working independently, are detail oriented, and take pride in their organizational skills have the highest levels of satisfaction in this job. Excellent communication skills, willingness to follow instructions, and a commitment to accuracy are all very important skills. Maintaining a professional level of emotional detachment is necessary in this job, as a personal bias can negatively impact the quality of the work.
Crime scene technicians are called to the scene after the area has been secured. There are often multiple technicians assigned to a case and their efforts are coordinated by a lead crime scene technologist. Each technician is assigned a specific area or task within the crime scene. There are multiple methods of evidence collection, ranging from photographs to collecting physical evidence, such as blood drops.
Every crime laboratory has very specific protocols surrounding the identification, collection, and recording of evidence. It is the crime scene technician’s responsibility to follow these instructions. The methods of evidence identification and collection are critical to determining who is responsible and must be defensible when presented in a court of law.
Once the evidence is collected, it is returned to the lab and analyzed. Various scientific tests are performed and the technician collects the results for review and analysis. Most labs have a validation process, whereby a supervisor or other technician checks the lab work to ensure that it was correct and recorded accurately.
The final responsibility of the crime scene technician is to write a report detailing the evidence collected, the process used, and the conclusion of any tests. This report must follow a specific format in order to ensure that all standard questions are answered and a proper, logical trail is provided. The report is provided to the law enforcement agency, which is responsible for reviewing it and using the information to support its investigation. Should the case go to trial, the crime scene technician may be called on to testify about the information in the report.
Written by Carol Francois
