Forensic Technican

Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Technicians often specialize in either crime scene or laboratory analysis. Forensic science technicians who collect and store evidence from the scene of a crime are sometimes called crime scene technicians. They photograph and document the scene and search for fingerprints or DNA evidence. They must take care to store evidence in a way that preserves its integrity and are responsible for the evidence chain of custody.

Analyze crime scenes.
Take photographs and make sketches.
Record observations and findings.
Collect evidence, fingerprints, and bodily fluids.
Catalog and preserve evidence.
Reconstruct crime scenes.
Perform biological and microscopic analysis.

Forensic science technicians who work primarily in laboratories use chemicals and specialized equipment to analyze evidence. They also use computers to examine DNA and other evidence collected at crime scenes and match that evidence to people or other known elements, such as vehicles or weapons. Forensic science technicians prepare written reports of their findings and investigative methods. They must be able to explain details from their reports to lawyers, detectives, and other law enforcement officials. In addition, forensic science technicians may be called to testify in court about their findings and methods.

Required Education

Introduction to Forensic Science provides an overview of the principles, history, and ethics of forensic science. Students learn about the role of forensic scientists in the criminal justice system, the scientific method as applied to forensic investigations, and the various disciplines within forensic science. There are techniques and procedures for processing crime scenes, including evidence collection, documentation, preservation, and chain of custody. They study methods for searching, photographing, sketching, and analyzing physical evidence found at crime scenes.

Criminalistics is the application of scientific principles to the analysis of physical evidence in criminal investigations. This course covers topics such as firearm and toolmark analysis, trace evidence analysis, document examination, and forensic photography. For example, Forensic Biology focuses on the biological aspects of forensic science, including DNA analysis, serology (blood and bodily fluid analysis), and forensic entomology (insect evidence). Students learn about DNA extraction techniques, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and interpretation of DNA profiles.

In forensic chemistry, applicants study chemical analysis of forensic evidence, including toxicology (poison and drug analysis), arson investigation, and trace evidence analysis. They learn about chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and other analytical techniques used to identify and quantify substances. The forensic toxicology course examines the principles and practices of forensic pathology, including the determination of cause and manner of death through autopsy examination. Students learn about postmortem changes, injury analysis, forensic toxicology, and the role of the forensic pathologist in death investigations.

Forensics Investigator Certificates

Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI), from the International Association for Identification (IAI) signifies proficiency in various aspects of crime scene investigation, including evidence recognition, collection, preservation, and documentation. It demonstrates competency in applying scientific methods to analyze crime scenes and gather crucial evidence for criminal investigations.

Certificate	Skills Required	Exam to be Taken
Criminal Investigator (CCI)	Criminal law, investigative techniques, evidence handling	CCI Certification Exam by the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI)
Fraud Examiner (CFE)	Fraud prevention, fraud detection, financial transactions	CFE Exam by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
Forensic Interviewer (CFI)	Interview techniques, interrogation, behavioral analysis	CFI Exam by the International Association of Interviewers (IAI)
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)	Evidence collection, crime scene management, forensic science	CSI Certification Exam by the International Association for Identification (IAI)
Homicide (CHI)	Investigation techniques, forensic pathology, case management	CHI Certification Exam by the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
Cyber Crime Investigator (CCCI)	Cryptographic investigation, digital forensics, network security	CCCI Certification Exam by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)

Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the examination, comparison, and identification of latent fingerprints. It signifies proficiency in using various techniques and technologies to analyze latent prints and match them to known individuals or databases.

Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) certification, available through organizations such as the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI), validates competency in investigating fires and explosions to determine their cause, origin, and circumstances. It covers fire dynamics, arson investigation techniques, evidence collection, and legal considerations related to fire investigations.

How to Lift Fingerprints

Crime scene analyst Matthew Steiner shows WIRED staff writer Louise Matsakis how to lift fingerprints off a variety of different surfaces.

Crime Scene Photography

Crime scene photography is used to record evidence of a crime. Learn what crime scene photography is used for.

Collecting Evidence

How forensic investigators gather evidence to solve crimes. Together with a forensic specialist, we will solve a case, based only on microscopic clues.

Forensic Science

This video explains investigative forensic science. Even though the first test is only a presumptive test for blood, it does show that two stain extracts were commingled.

CSI Curriculum

Crime Scene Management

Crime Scene Security: Establishing and maintaining a secure perimeter.
Evidence Documentation: Recording the scene through notes, sketches, and photography.
Search Patterns: Systematic methods for locating evidence at a crime scene.
Scene Reconstruction: Techniques for reconstructing the sequence of events.

Evidence Collection

Biological Evidence: Collection and preservation of blood, hair, and bodily fluids.
Trace Evidence: Techniques for recovering fibers, paint, glass, and other small evidence.
Fingerprinting: Methods for lifting and analyzing latent fingerprints.
Digital Evidence: Seizing and preserving electronic devices and data.

Forensic Analysis

DNA Analysis: Techniques for extracting and analyzing DNA samples.
Ballistics: Examination of firearms, bullets, and gunshot residues.
Tool Mark Analysis: Identifying and comparing marks made by tools.
Toxicology: Detection of drugs, alcohol, and poisons in biological samples.

Specialized Investigations

Arson Investigation: Techniques for determining the cause and origin of fires.
Explosive Analysis: Handling and analyzing evidence from bombings.
Death Investigation: Procedures for investigating suspicious deaths and homicides.
Sexual Assault Kits: Proper collection and processing of evidence in sexual assault cases.

Legal Procedures

Chain of Custody: Maintaining a documented history of evidence handling.
Courtroom Testimony: Preparing and presenting forensic evidence in court.
Report Writing: Creating detailed and accurate crime scene reports.
Legal Standards: Understanding laws and regulations governing evidence collection.

Emergency Response

CPR and First Aid: Basic life support techniques and emergency medical response.
Hazardous Materials: Handling and identifying hazardous substances at crime scenes.
Incident Command System: Coordination and management of major crime scenes.
Critical Incident Response: Techniques for responding to active shooter and mass casualty events.

Crime Scene Investigation

Study the techniques that forensics experts use to analyse sophisticated crime scenes, piecing together evidence to create links between events and persons of interest.

Forensic Analysis

Fingerprint Analysis compares the unique ridge patterns, whorls, and loops found on fingertips to identify individuals or link them to a crime scene. Forensic experts use various techniques such as powder dusting, chemical development, or digital scanning to lift and analyze prints. Automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) aid in matching prints found at crime scenes.

DNA Analysis allows investigators to identify individuals or establish relationships between them. Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing are used to extract, amplify, and analyze DNA from biological samples like blood, saliva, or hair. DNA databases help match DNA profiles obtained from crime scenes to known offenders or identify missing persons.

Ballistic Analysis examines firearms, bullets, and cartridge cases to determine their unique characteristics, such as striations and markings left by the firearm's barrel. Forensic experts use comparison microscopes to match these characteristics to a specific weapon, helping to link firearms to crime scenes or suspects.

Digital Forensics involves retrieving, preserving, and analyzing data from digital devices like computers, smartphones, or storage media. Forensic experts use specialized software and techniques to recover deleted files, examine internet history, and trace digital communications.

Trace Evidence Analysis focuses on examining small or microscopic materials like fibers, hair, glass, or soil found at crime scenes. Forensic scientists use microscopy, spectroscopy, and other analytical techniques to compare and identify trace materials, providing valuable links between suspects, victims, and crime scenes.

Toolmark Analysis involves comparing marks and impressions left by tools or weapons at crime scenes with those made by suspect tools. Forensic experts use microscopy and imaging techniques to examine toolmarks and match them to specific tools or weapons, helping establish connections between suspects, crimes, and evidence.