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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Forensic Technician Assistant

💰 $37,000 - $55,000

ForensicsCriminal JusticeLaw EnforcementLaboratory Support

🎯 Role Definition

The Forensic Technician Assistant supports crime scene investigators and forensic scientists by performing hands-on evidence collection, documentation, processing and secure evidence handling. This role requires strong technical ability with forensic tools (e.g., forensic photography, latent print development, Luminol, evidence packaging), rigorous chain-of-custody practices, and clear written and verbal communication for investigative reports and courtroom testimony. The ideal candidate is safety-conscious, detail-oriented, adaptable to shift work, and committed to courtroom-quality documentation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Evidence Clerk / Property & Evidence Technician
  • Police Officer or Sheriff’s Deputy transitioning to forensic support
  • Laboratory Technician or Forensic Science Student Intern

Advancement To:

  • Forensic Technician / Crime Scene Technician
  • Forensic Laboratory Analyst (DNA, Toxicology, Firearms)
  • Evidence Room Supervisor or Property & Evidence Manager
  • Crime Scene Investigator / Detective (for those with investigative background)

Lateral Moves:

  • Forensic Photographer
  • Latent Print Examiner Assistant
  • Digital Forensics Technician
  • Arson/Fire Investigation Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Respond to and secure crime scenes under the direction of a lead investigator, ensuring scene safety, perimeter control, and immediate preservation of transient evidence while documenting initial conditions and scene entry/exit logs.
  • Conduct systematic evidence search and collection using established forensic protocols (paper swabs, swabs for biological material, sterile collection tools), ensuring contamination control and proper use of PPE, packaging and labelling to preserve probative value.
  • Maintain accurate, court-defensible chain-of-custody documentation for all exhibits from recovery through transfer, storage, and submission to forensic laboratories, using both paper and electronic property management systems.
  • Perform forensic photography of scenes and evidence, including wide-angle scene overviews, mid-range orientation shots, high-resolution close-ups of trace evidence, and scale inclusion to support investigative reports and courtroom exhibits.
  • Develop latent fingerprints at scenes and in the lab using powders, cyanoacrylate (superglue) fuming, ninhydrin, and chemical treatments as appropriate, and lift, photograph and catalog prints to support latent print examiners.
  • Collect and package biological evidence (blood, saliva, tissue) following contamination-avoidance procedures and biosafety protocols, prepare forensic swabs for DNA analysis, and enter evidence into LIMS or evidence-tracking software for submission to DNA labs.
  • Conduct presumptive field tests for suspected controlled substances, document results thoroughly, and prepare packaging for formal laboratory narcotics confirmation while maintaining evidentiary integrity.
  • Assist in processing firearms and firearm-related evidence: safely recover firearms, document positions, mark serial numbers, package spent casings and projectiles, and preserve surfaces for trace evidence or DNA.
  • Use chemical enhancement methods (Luminol, Bluestar) and alternate light sources (ALS/UV) to detect latent biological stains, document patterns, and support bloodstain pattern analysis by collecting exemplar samples.
  • Prepare accurate, detailed scene sketches and scale diagrams, annotating evidence locations, bullet trajectories, entry/exit points, and scene measurements to support reconstruction analyses.
  • Process and package trace evidence (hair, fibers, glass, paint) using appropriate containment and documentation to avoid cross-contamination and to meet laboratory acceptance standards for subsequent analysis.
  • Perform routine evidence room duties: receive incoming evidence, log exhibits, verify packages against reports, maintain secure storage protocols, and manage release of property under authorized procedures.
  • Maintain and calibrate forensic field equipment and laboratory instruments (cameras, fuming chambers, ALS units, scales), track maintenance records, and report malfunctions to ensure continuous readiness.
  • Prepare and assemble exhibits and case folders for investigative teams and court appearances, including annotated photographs, evidence lists, packaging logs and chain-of-custody records that meet prosecutor and court requirements.
  • Support forensic laboratory workflows by preparing samples for submission (labeling, aliquoting, drying, desiccant use), submittal forms, and coordinating courier transfers with external laboratories while maintaining evidence integrity.
  • Collect and process items from specialized scenes including vehicles, outdoor scenes, industrial sites and potential arson scenes, applying scene-specific protocols for preservation of accelerants, ignition sources and HVAC/ventilation considerations.
  • Assist with presumptive toxicology and biological screening under supervision (e.g., urine screens, basic reagent testing) and ensure secure documentation and transfer to accredited labs for confirmatory testing.
  • Participate in chain-of-custody audits, inventory reconciliations, and evidence disposition activities, ensuring compliance with agency policies, accreditation standards, and legal hold procedures.
  • Provide support in digital evidence seizure at scene level (device identification, basic power-state protocols, photography and documentation) and coordinate with digital forensics teams for device imaging and data preservation.
  • Prepare clear, technically accurate written reports summarizing scene observations, evidence collected, handling procedures, and results of preliminary field tests; documents are optimized for investigative use and admissibility in court.
  • Serve as a trained technical witness in administrative hearings and criminal proceedings when required, delivering factual testimony about evidence collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody without opining beyond qualifications.
  • Train and mentor entry-level evidence staff and student interns on proper scene procedures, PPE use, evidence packaging, and documentation standards to maintain a high-performing forensic support function.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain inventory control and procurement of forensic supplies, PPE, labeling materials, and reagents; recommend stock replenishment and vendor selections to keep operations efficient.
  • Assist with quality assurance and accreditation activities by compiling documentation, participating in mock audits, and implementing corrective actions for evidence-handling procedures.
  • Support cross-functional investigations by coordinating evidence transfers between agencies, drafting mutual aid evidence memos, and ensuring compatibility of procedures across jurisdictions.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement by documenting field best practices, proposing SOP updates, and piloting new forensic collection techniques or equipment under senior oversight.
  • Provide community-facing support through demonstrations, outreach, and education about evidence preservation and crime scene safety for partner agencies and public stakeholders when requested.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development: attend in-service trainings, maintain certifications (e.g., evidence technician, latent print, HAZWOPER basics), and keep records of proficiency checks.
  • Assist in basic laboratory tasks such as inventorying consumables, cleaning workspaces, sterilizing non-disposable tools, and disposing of biohazardous waste per regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinate with lab managers and case agents regarding priority case intake, expedited submittals, and status updates to ensure investigative timelines are met.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Crime scene evidence collection and preservation techniques (wet/dry evidence handling, sterile swabbing, contamination control).
  • Chain-of-custody management and experience with evidence property management systems / LIMS.
  • Forensic photography skills: camera operation, lighting, scale use, and photo documentation procedures.
  • Latent print processing: powder dusting, cyanoacrylate fuming, ninhydrin, chemical treatments, lifting and documentation.
  • Biological evidence handling for DNA: swabbing, drying, packaging, cold-chain considerations and submission protocols.
  • Use of alternate light sources (ALS), Luminol/Bluestar, and chemical enhancement methods for detecting latent stains.
  • Basic presumptive drug testing and narcotics field screening techniques with proper documentation and safety.
  • Firearms and toolmark basic handling protocols, evidence preservation, and documentation for transfer to firearm examiners.
  • Evidence packaging and lab submission preparation in compliance with accreditation and laboratory acceptance guidelines.
  • Familiarity with scene sketching, measurements, and basic crime scene reconstruction concepts.
  • Basic digital evidence seizure protocols (power-state handling, device documentation) and coordination with digital forensic teams.
  • Equipment maintenance and calibration record keeping for forensic field and lab instruments.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and methodical documentation skills for court-defensible records.
  • Strong written communication: concise, factual report writing tailored for investigators, prosecutors, and juries.
  • Clear verbal communication and courtroom presence for technical witness testimony.
  • High ethical standards, integrity, and respect for chain-of-custody and evidentiary protocols.
  • Ability to work under pressure and adapt to unpredictable hours, multiple concurrent cases, and emotionally charged scenes.
  • Team collaboration with investigators, lab analysts, and law enforcement partners across agencies.
  • Problem-solving mindset and ability to apply procedural judgment at scenes with limited supervision.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to triage evidence intake and meet investigative deadlines.
  • Cultural sensitivity, discretion and professionalism when interacting with victims, families, and witnesses.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and compliance with evolving forensic standards and accreditation requirements.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED plus relevant forensic technician training or certified on-the-job experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Biology, Chemistry, or related discipline.
  • Completion of formal crime scene technician courses, latent print workshops, and evidence technician certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Forensic Science
  • Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement
  • Biology, Chemistry or Biochemistry
  • Crime Scene Investigation / Crime Scene Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years of direct forensic or evidence-handling experience for entry-level assistant roles; internship or volunteer crime scene experience often acceptable.

Preferred:

  • 1–5 years working in a property & evidence unit, crime scene unit, forensic lab, or law enforcement support role.
  • Demonstrated experience with evidence management systems (LIMS/evidence tracking), forensic photography, and courtroom testimony preferred.
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